Gloria Ellen Marie Bjorndahl

Gloria lived well with spunk and a positive attitude for many years with a variety of health issues. She passed peacefully on July 7, 2023, at the age of 85.

Gloria was predeceased by her sons Billy Roy (1982) and Vincent Mark (2006), and her husband Gary (2022). She leaves to mourn her daughter-in-law Shauna (David), the daughter she embraced through Vince, and her grandchildren William (Lucianna), Timothy (Anna) and Maryn (Mathew), her siblings Vi (Richard), Don (Patricia) and Eileen (Don) as well as Gary’s sister Bonnie (Don). Also left behind are a a host of nieces and nephews, their families, and many close friends including her “Gal Pals” at Elbow Springs golf course.

Gloria was born on a farm near Hyas Saskatchewan on November 3, 1937. She was the 4th of 5 children. She grew up in this large farming community and shared her formative years with a closely connected extended family. This summer of 2023 marks the 50th year that her maternal side is meeting for a family reunion that has happened every 5 years since 1973. Gloria deeply valued being close to her siblings, and knowing all her aunties, uncles, and a plethora of cousins. Gloria was a “hugger”. This trait, along with her Christian faith, hope and trust were well formed in the stable community she grew up in.

Gloria married Gary Bjorndahl on August 22, 1959. They enjoyed 63 years together and had their two sons. They travelled extensively as a couple and enjoyed many motoring trips with their small family. They made many close friends, particularly through their love of golfing and curling. Gloria and Gary were avid sports fans. They were persistent fans of the Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary Flames. The Saskatchewan Roughriders also drew their loyal affections. Much of their weekend relaxing came through watching any sporting event on TV.

Gloria gently passed at the AgeCare Skypointe Hospice, where she received sensitive and respectful care for the last two weeks of her life. Her family is grateful to the nurses, and Dr Tanya Marynka who provided her care in hospice. Gloria’s family is particularly appreciative of her palliative home care nurse Elisabetta, and her family physician Dr Anjali Rehill. Both of these women approached Gloria with extraordinary respect and grace.

A celebration of Life for Gloria will take place on July 28th, 2023, at 11:30 am at Pierson’s Funeral Home 4121 17 Ave SE, Calgary Alberta. Suggested dress is Golf Attire.

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A private interment for family will follow at 2:00pm at Rockyview Garden of Peace Cemetery, 243208 Garden Road Calgary Alberta.