Olmstead family
My deepest sympathy. What a blessing to have her for so long.
OLMSTEAD, Gladys Irene
1929 - 2022
It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Gladys Irene Olmstead, daughter of Maude (Bean) and Harry Johnston at the North Bay Regional Health Centre at the age of 93.
Gladys was predeceased by her parents, her husband Reginald, and her son-in-law, Claude Frigon, her sisters Jean (late Joe), Laura, Ruth ( late Irvine), and her brother, Bob (late Kathleen).
She is survived by her children Patricia (late Claude), Wayne (Lyn), Don (Rannveig) and Kimberly (Jason), her grandchildren Beau (Tanya), Coryna, Joshua, Marc (Stacey), Stephanie (Angela), Ryan (Jodi), Kathryn (Steve), Jessica and Jake, her great grandchildren, Hayden, Keldon, Tyler, Jaxson, Emily, Reid, Sarah and Mathew; as well as her sister Grace (late Irwin) and her many loved nieces and nephews.
Gladys worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She started out running a comer store, worked at Producers Dairy, was head cashier and bookkeeper at Dominion before purchasing what became Olmstead Grocery on Main Street. She finished her work years at the LCBO.
Volunteering for and sitting on the Board of the Kirkland Lake Skating Club were rewarding times. So many costumes were created by her hands.
Gladys was a long time member of the Golden Gate Rebekah Lodge of Kirkland Lake.
Golf at the Kirkland Lake Golf Club and at her Florida Community gave her competitive side a chance to shine. She hit a good ball and enjoyed reminding Reg of the rules!
She had a great passion for gardening. She spent many hours creating her beautiful gardens at Kenogami. She missed it very much when she moved to condo life in North Bay. Upon moving into the Empire Living Centre, Gladys joined the knitting group and knit countless pairs of socks and mitts for children's charities.
Gladys, like many other seniors felt strongly the impact of COVID. She expressed her feelings of loneliness and how she missed her family.
In keeping with Gladys' wishes, cremation has taken place, and a visitation will be held on Saturday, June 18, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, and a funeral service starting at 10:30 am at French Family Funeral Home. A private internment will follow at the Kirkland Lake Cemetery.
In her memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Arthritis Society or a charity of your choice.