Gloria Jean Blackman, long-time resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the QEII Hospital at the age of 73 years.

Gloria was born July 12, 1948, in Melfort, SK. She was raised on the family farm by her loving parents Alma and Isabel Galloway. Gloria was the baby of the family and the only girl, having two older brothers Gerry and Calvin. As a young girl, Gloria enjoyed baking, gardening, and sewing with her mom. She also never missed an opportunity to tag along with her older brother Gerry.

Gloria met her husband Gerald Blackman while working at the mall in Melfort. They were married in 1970 and started their life together in Grande Prairie AB. Gloria worked in the accounting department at the QEII Hospital. On her days off you could find her watching the Edmonton Oilers play hockey, snowmobiling, camping, or hosting friends at their house for a friendly game of cards.

Gloria and Gerald adopted two children, a daughter and a son in 1979 and 1983, Briana and Brett. They lived in Beaverlodge, AB, for a short time from 1980-1983 but then moved to Dawson Creek, BC, where she raised her children and worked as a Notary assistant. She never felt like BC was home, and so her and Gerald returned to Grande Prairie and started a new venture and opened Blackmans Butcher Shop in 1996. Here they ran a successful business for many years, working their way up from just the two of them to having many staff. Together they provided quality meats to Grande Prairie residents and surrounding areas. You would usually find Gloria at the till or in the office and she was always more than happy to give advice on how to cook the perfect Prime Rib roast. After 15 years of hard work, they sold the shop and retired.

During retirement, Gloria and her husband enjoyed time at their lake property in Saskatchewan, they also wintered in Florida for many years at their home in Crystal Beach. Here Gloria made many new but lifelong friends, she always enjoyed being surrounded by her friends, and both the lake and Florida were the perfect place for so many to come and visit.

Gloria was diagnosed with kidney failure during her later years but that never dampened her spirit or her positive outlook on life. She lived each day to the fullest and now with time at home, rekindled her love of gardening and birdwatching in her oasis of a backyard. She also took up quilting with friends and knitting blankets for those she loved. Gloria was a devoted grandmother and was so very proud of her grandchildren. She will be missed by many who enjoyed visiting her and having coffee or playing online bingo. Gloria was an amazing listener, secret holder and friend, and although she was a very quiet gentle soul, I know that if the Edmonton Oilers score, without a doubt, we’ll be able to hear her holler from the heavens. We love you Gloria, Mom, Grandma, and dear friend.

Gloria will be sadly missed by her husband Gerald Blackman; daughter Briana (Chris); son Brett; grandchildren Connor and Kassandra; brother; Gerry Galloway; as well as many dear lifelong friends.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents Alma and Isabel Galloway, as well as brother Calvin Galloway

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 2:00 pm at People’s Church in Grande Prairie (11850 108 St.) A live stream of the service will be available on the People’s Church website. https://peopleschurchgp.com/