Gloria Leola Rogers of Red Deer, Alberta passed away just after midnight on the morning of Saturday, April 1, 2023, marking her 79th birthday. She was with her family at the time of her passing.

Gloria was loved by all who knew her. A wonderful wife to Dick, devoted mother to Jason and Melanie, and loving grandmother to Jackson and Aidan, Gloria brought joy to so many lives.

Gloria was born to Rosaline (Rose) Gerling (née Weinkauf) and Edward Gerling on April 1, 1944, in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, BC, where Ed was stationed during WWII. Ed was a devout family man, and famously went AWOL from the army to be with Rose at the time of Gloria’s birth. We’re pretty sure he returned to his post without much detection. Gloria was the second of Ed and Rose’s six children.

Gloria grew up in Macklin, Saskatchewan, and Provost, Alberta, before the family moved to Camrose, Alberta when Gloria was finishing High School.

After graduation, she studied at the University of Alberta and received a Bachelor of Education, Elementary in 1967. During University, Gloria lived in Brescia Hall, a women’s residence. Gloria’s University days were among her fondest memories, as she had the time of her life with Grace, Rosemarie, Pat, Ann, and Jeanette.

Friends remember Gloria’s beautiful singing voice, and her love of music which carried through the rest of her life. Always with a smile, her nickname was OBJ, short for “Oh, Be Joyful.”

Gloria taught Grade 4 at St. Thomas Aquinas school in Red Deer, Alberta. She met John Richard (Dick) Rogers at a party in 1967 through mutual friends Grace and Larry Ronald. From then on, they were inseparable, and were married in Camrose on October 12, 1968.

Son, Jason arrived in February 1971 and daughter, Melanie came along in October 1973. Gloria’s first priority in life was always her children and her husband; and dedicated her life to caring for her family and their home, as Dick worked for AGT and then TELUS for thirty-five years. Designing and creating a beautiful home, growing breathtaking flowers, and tending to the family’s park-like backyard brought Gloria great happiness throughout her life.

Melanie and her husband, John Howie welcomed son, Jackson in September 2008, finally making Gloria and Dick grandparents. Aidan arrived next in February 2013, and Gloria and Dick proceeded to spoil both grandsons at every opportunity, as the boys had Gloria wrapped around their little fingers from birth.

Gloria deeply loved her parents Ed and Rose and spent as much time with them as possible, until Ed’s passing in 2001 and Rose’s passing in 2004. Gloria’s love extended to her sister and best friend, Elaine, along with her four brothers, Don (Joyce), Irvin (Corinne), Terry and Tom (Gayle).

Gloria is remembered by her cousins, Marietta (Dennis), Viola (Ron), Marlene, Vern, Audrey (David), Robert (Theresa), Gerry (Lori), Theresa (Ken) and Murray (Jackie).

Gloria is also remembered by Dick’s family, including sisters, Norma Davies (John, d. 2016) and Linda Rogers. Dick’s mom, Betty Rogers (née Woolgar) passed away in 2001 and Dick’s dad, Medley Rogers passed away in 1968.

Gloria was a much loved auntie on her side of the family to David (Lea-Ann), Debra (Rob), Danielle, Sara (Tyson), Abigail (Grant), Micaela (Domenic), Alyssa (Mikhail), Joshua, Michael, Christopher (Amanda), Zack and Cole, and on Dick’s side of the family to Ruth (Al), Susan (Joe), Karyn (Daniel), Phil (d. 2012) and their families.

A Memorial Service was held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. For those who are unable to attend, the Memorial Service will be Live Streamed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Please click on the Live Stream button in the top right corner of the website just prior to the service time. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Gloria’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Red Cross at www.redcross.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2023-04-19
• Location : (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com