Gladys Marian Foster (nee Driedger) Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver’s Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Gladys Marian Foster (nee Driedger)

July 25, 1945 - November 20, 2022

Obituary For Gladys Marian Foster (nee Driedger)

On Sunday, November 20, 2022, Gladys Foster passed away peacefully at the Grande Prairie Care Centre, in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of 77 years.

Gladys was born on July 25, 1945, in Herbert, SK, to Jacob and Susan Driedger. The Driedger family moved several times throughout Alberta, eventually settling in Grande Prairie. It was there Gladys graduated from high school (1963) and went on to attend Peace River Bible Institute (1964). The following year she attended college for administration and received a one-year certificate (1965). Gladys immediately went to work for Lewis and Wright, a local insurance company, which was followed by short-term employment at the Alberta Treasury Branch in Beaverlodge, AB.

In 1969, Gladys married Norman Foster. Together they raised three children: Stuart, Julie, and Jesse. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. While Norman worked long hours, it was Gladys who was the foundation of the home, caring for her children and later her grandchildren.

It was in the home that Gladys was most content. She would often quilt family members' blankets, read her devotions/Bible, and she enjoyed decorating her home. Her tender heart in the home carried on into the community and she often volunteered at the Beaverlodge Alliance Church and Burden Bearers in Grande Prairie.

Gladys was a shy lady, but if you listened closely her dry quick wit would often have everyone in stitches. She once said the secret to a good marriage is, “being able to laugh”. Norman honoured his vows with Gladys and lovingly stepped into the role of caregiver when she needed more assistance due to her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Thank you, Dad, for taking care of our dear mom. Also, thank you to Gladys’s caregivers over the last ten years: Brenda, Heather, Leanora, Colleen, and Elma; as well as the staff at the Grande Prairie Care Centre. We (the Foster family) appreciate your hard work and caring hearts. Gladys is survived by her husband Norman Foster; her daughter Julie Forbes (Jason and their children: Hudson, Sullivan, and Indie) of Grande Prairie, and her son Jesse Foster (Tania and their children: Brynn, Declan, and Kellen) of Beaverlodge. She also leaves behind her sisters Ester Penner (Gerry) of Washington, USA, and Carol Stark (Richard) of Oregon, USA.

She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Susan Driedger; her brothers in-law Roger Baron and K. Neill Foster; her sister in-law: Marilynne Foster; as well as her son Stuart Foster.

A Funeral Service will be held on December 2, 2022, at 2:00pm, at the Beaverlodge Alliance Church (409 10 st.). Interment to follow at the Beaverlodge Cemetery.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Gladys’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

Donations may be made in Gladys’s memory to Peace River Bible Institute (9601 100 St, Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0), or to the Pregnancy Care Centre (9909- 102 Street, 214 Place North Suite 525, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V4).

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

February 27, 2023

Donna Hansen (Journeay)

In the fall of 1963 I meet Gladys at PRBI. Not only assigned as her roommate we quickly became very good friends. Around 2012 after many years of going different directions we reconnected on her and Norm's visits to Palm Springs. It seemed as no time had passed as we quickly caught up. I loved our long talks and all the photos of her wonderful family she so proudly shared. Gladys I will forever remember your sincere friendship, beautiful smile and one of a kind sense of humor. Till we meet in Heaven...❤️ Donna 2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith
December 02, 2022

Marilyn Gustavson

My deepest condolences to the family of Gladys Foster. Gladys was one of the First Ladies I met when I moved to Beaverlodge 34 years ago
December 02, 2022

Karen Gustafson

Wishing you God's comfort and strength in your loss. I have good memories of Gladys coming to Burden Bearers when I worked there, volunteering her time, and being friendly with the counsellors. Her positive impact, kindness, and generosity stayed with me.
December 02, 2022

Connie Rempel

Thinking of you all at this difficult time about her dry wit yet her solid faith in the Lord! Connieericksonrempel
November 29, 2022

Ruth Teruel-Pyrke

I have many fun and lovely memories of time spent with Gladys, Julie, and the family. Her kind manner and sharp wit always brought ease and humour to every situation. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort as you remember your sweet mom.
November 27, 2022

Irene Surgenor

Such sad news.I have very fond memories of dear Gladys and her droll sense of humour, a very lovely lady. Condolences to my dear cuz Norman and all the family. We will be thinking of you in the sad days to come xx
November 26, 2022

Pat Baird

Sincere condolences Norm, Jess and family, she is a true angel. Thoughts and prayers with you all Pat and Darcy BaIrd
November 26, 2022

Arta Juneau

My sincere sympathy. Gladys was such a lovely lady and was so caring toward her mom living in home at Hythe.
November 25, 2022

Joan E White Hythe AB

Family of Gladys Foster, We remember her as being one of the best Pioneer Girl leaders She was great ! Joan and Charlie White and family.
November 25, 2022

Cathy Leighton

My deepest sympathy to Norm, Jesse and Family, Julie and Family. Cathy Leighton
November 25, 2022

Kim and Sherry Oakford

Condolences to Norm and family and friends. Thinking of you all.
November 25, 2022

Shani Lepp

Sending love from The Lepp family. We have very good memories we will cherish forever , she was and always will be an extremely wonderful lady. Hugs and prayers to Norm and his family. Love Shani
November 24, 2022

Arden and Joanne Hotte

Our deepest condolences to Norm and the entire family. Arden and Joanne Hotte
November 24, 2022

Tim Foster K.C.

Please accept our sincere condolences from Tim Foster and family. Auntie Gladys will be missed, especially her dry sense of humour. May you find comfort in the best wishes and support from family and friends during this difficult time.
November 24, 2022

Gail and Ron Jones

Norman, Jesse, Tanya and family, Julie, Jason and family. Thinking of you all. I appreciated Gladys and her sense of quiet caring. She was so kind.
November 24, 2022

Jones Jones

So sorry for your loss. I always remember Gladys at the school bringing treats for the staff, sharing her wonderful memories and always caring about the staff and students. She was a compassionate and caring woman, a treasure to her family and our community. Gena and Doug Jones.
November 24, 2022

Faye Miller

Condolences to you and your Family Norm. God Bless 🙏
November 24, 2022

Donna Jones

My sincere condolences to Norman and family. Love and hugs

Obituaries