Gladys Iola Sanderson (Ingram/Breuer)

June 25, 1932-April 12, 2026

Gladys came into this world weighing only 2lbs at birth and remained strong until the very end. Born in rural Saskatchewan, the youngest of her siblings. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and cherished traditions.

Gladys grew up in rural Saskatchewan and enjoyed playing many sports with her siblings. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was first married to her beloved husband Gerry following his career in the oil and water well business where they frequently moved and spent time raising their six children Owen (Arlene), Lloyd (Susan), Gwen (Bob) Kim (Julie) Greg (Karen) and Lorry (Debbie).

Also remembered by her 14 grandchildren: Jennifer (Warren), Jessica (Chris), Scott (Karissa), Chelsea (Mike), Kerry (Rob), Lindsay (Eoin), Stephanie (Brad), Mackenzie (Maya), Jared, Teann (Alan), Evan (Hana), Austin (Cornelia), Regan and Keenan along with her 15 great grandchildren (Ruxton, Ambry, Archer, Maddy, Calder, Penny, Bennett, Eleni, Sawyer, Frank, Carlson, Sawyer, Isabel, Max & Ellis.

After Gerry’s passing, Gladys found companionship again marrying Alfred Sanderson and moved to Olds, AB sharing many meaningful years until his passing. During her years at Maybank’s Drug Store & Co-op she greeted everyone with a smile and kindness.

Gladys was happiest in the heart of her home—her kitchen. She had a passion for cooking and baking everything from scratch.

Her love for the outdoors was reflected in her impressive gardens. Each year, she planted a large garden and nurtured beautiful flowers, with her striking black hollyhocks becoming a signature memory for many who knew her.

Summers at Gladys’s home were unforgettable. They were filled with barbecues, card games in the sunroom, and lively afternoons spent playing baseball and badminton in the backyard. Gladys had a strong competitive spirit and an athletic edge that showed in everything she did—whether it was sports, cheering on the Roughriders, a game of rummy, or bowling, where she proudly achieved a perfect game.

Gladys had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always open—not only to her family but to her grandchildren’s friends as well. No one ever left her table hungry, as she was always ready with a meal.

She also gave generously of her time, volunteering countless hours at the local hospital tuck shop, Evergreen center and the Legion, where her kindness and dedication touched many lives.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2026-05-03
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610