GLORIA HOPE HAARSMA

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• Mom. Time keeps on going by. I never see anyone anymore. Sean's passing is so sad. I feel like the past never even existed and the future will never get here. My fave looks older but each day is the same as the last - Posted by: Cheryl Bryant (Daughter ) on: Aug 22, 2023

• Sure miss singing for you. I remember all the lovely sweaters and clothes I used to get for you. When Christmas and your birthday passed I could picture you wearing them. Even tho you never taught me to see or knit. I do it and think of you. It's a lonely life. I miss our mutely call. And you were always right to keep us separate. Now that your gone The word Family has a different meaning. Miss you Mom. - Posted by: Cheryl (Daughter ) on: Oct 19, 2022

• Cathy and I were out at Glen Eden and saw a recent memorial.. Condolences to Matt, Carly, Tannis, Chuck- and all the Haarsma family. Don & Cathy Lewis - Posted by: Don Lewis (friend of Matt, Tannis &Chuck) on: Oct 24, 2020

• Deepest sympathy and big hugs to the Haarsma family. Gloria was my best friend’s mom and pal to my own mother. As a child, I never realized the struggle it may have been to have 2 or even 3 more children suddenly appear at your dinner ‘tables’ when you have to feed so many of your own. And yet I was always made to feel welcome there, as if I was one of the family. We lived at each others’ homes in East St. Paul, bouncing from one house to the next. Gloria, Addie, and Irene kept an eye out for which house we were at and what we were up to. Sometimes we wished they hadn’t but as a result they were our ‘neighbourhood watch’. My memories are filled with these women and their families. About 20 years ago, Gloria and I exchanged some garden plantings on one of Beth’s visits home to their home on Henderson. She grew so many interesting plants and shared her knowledge about them so freely. Every year now, my periwinkle Forget Me Nots from Gloria arrive without fail in the spring and I am and always will be reminded of her whenever they come to bloom. She was a grand lady and will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Wendy Bailey (Friend) on: Oct 10, 2020

• We were very sad to hear of the passing of Gloria. We loved seeing her when she came in for her hearing appointments. She was a great lady. Please accept our condolences. - Posted by: Dianne and Kendra (Winnipeg Hearing) on: Oct 09, 2020

• Gloria - immortal Glory; Fame Praise, Honour. Hope -belief that circumstances will get better; not a wish for things to get better -the actual belief and the knowledge that things will get better, no matter how big or small. In all that she said and all that she did she was Gloria Hope. Most of us were held by her hands as babies. If she did not hold you; she held your babies. From the late 40's she became a Haarsma and she raised 7 children to adulthood. We changed her name, when grandchild number 1..was born in the mid 60's. She became pretty Grandma Gloria, then Great Grandma Gloria; and Great Great Grandma too. And the Legacy of Grandma Gloria And Grandpa Buck keeps growing. She celebrated our achievements and had hope for our shortcomings. With an abundance of time and advice she was there for so many of us. The different thoughts and memories of our own time alone with Grandma/Mom are special to each of us in our own way. Through the many beautiful hand made wedding and graduation dresses that you may have worn, or the Raggedy Anne's and Andys' you may have carried.... From the winter capes and coats and hunting jackets and she styled ,to the many beautiful clothes we wore, or dressed our babies in. She made doll clothes by hand for some. There were afghans she crotchéd, there were mittens and hats she knit. Izzy dolls she knit and donated. She did so much in her time always paying it forward. The baking; the cooking. The taste of the graham wafer square. She made it look easy. I will cherish those times, singing our favourite songs, talking and sharing stories. 97 years of all that is Glorious and Hopeful...My Mom - Posted by: cheryl (daugher) on: Oct 07, 2020

• No words can express what an amazing lady Gloria was. She truly inspired me every time we spoke. She was so proud of her family. Every time she spoke of anyone of them she just beamed with happiness. Before leaving she would always have a hug. The world has lost beautiful soul. Geraldine if you need anything I’m there. Sending my love to the entire family. - Posted by: Lisa Konowich (Friend ) on: Oct 04, 2020

• Farewell dear lady. I first met Gloria about 60 years ago. I became friends with her girls and always remember her robust welcome and warm home where there was always room for one more. She became fast friends with my mom and I know her friendship filled a very special place In mom’s life after dad’s passing. Your mother was one in a million, a strong yet gentle lady with a heart of gold. Heartfelt sympathy to the family, cherish the memories. 💜Debbie (Bailey) Barney. - Posted by: Debbie Barney (nee Bailey) (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2020

• In recent years, I had the pleasure of Gloria’s company when I’d drive her to & from her hearing appointment. Her optimism & joyous outlook on everything, along with that infectious smile & twinkling eyes, were often the highlight of my day. She shared her memories & stories from her heart. I will miss Gloria; we had some laughs. Your family has lost a true bright light. My sincere condolences at all of you. - Posted by: Gail Cabana-Coldwell (Acquaintance ) on: Oct 03, 2020

• I will forever cherish my fond memories of my time spent with both Gloria & Buck. After being his caregiver, we became friends & then to both of our surprise Family. She was an amazing lady & our times together will remain in my heart forever. She was so proud of each & every one of her family & would boast about them endlessly. We were all very blessed to have her in our lives. Sincerest Sympathy to all of the family. - Posted by: Cathy Olive (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2020