Gladys Fonger passed away peacefully at Extendicare on September 27, 2012. Gladys was born in Vanguard Saskatchewan on May 20, 1928 to Robert and Josephine (Brentnell) Lawson. Although raised in the time of the great depression, she always thought of her childhood as a happy time and had many fond memories of growing up in a small community. Robert and Josephine retired to Moose Jaw where Gladys completed her schooling at Central Collegiate. In 1947 she married Jerrold Fonger, with whom she would share more than 50 years of marriage. Gladys made many good friends in the years she worked at Excelo Photo and Eaton's Department Store as well as in her service to the UCW, the Opti-Mrs auxiliary and TOPs. These were friendships which lasted well into her life and she treasured them greatly. After retirement in 1982, Gladys and Jerry enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona. Gladys took up golf in her retirement and although she didn’t master the game she enjoyed the trying and the camaraderie that came with it. Family, home and community were most important in Gladys’s life. Her energies were directed to her family and she embraced opportunities to share time with all of them whenever possible. She was proud to live in Moose Jaw and was happy to see progressive changes that would help the city prosper. Gladys was predeceased by her parents, a son Blair Albert Fonger in 1958, her husband Jerry in 1998 and her sister Jean in 2010. She is survived by her son Merv (Roberta) Fonger, daughter Janice (Larry) Ofstedahl; grandsons, Michael (Bonnie) Ofstedahl, Robby (Yasmin) Ofstedahl, Errol Fonger; great-granddaughter, Lindsay Goossens; sister-in-law, Merle (Murray) Harrison and many nieces and nephews. She will be well remembered for her warm, gentle and compassionate nature and her wonderful humour that reflected her bright and happy outlook on life. The family sends heartfelt thanks to Mom’s care providers at Extendicare. The Celebration of Gladys’ life will be held at W.J. Jones & Son Chapel on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 11:00 am. Expressions of sympathy may be made by memorial donations in Gladys name, to your local charity of choice. In living memory of Gladys, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Donald Jones Funeral Director