April 29, 1939 - July 13, 2019
Lovingly surrounded by her children, Gladys Marie Rai, 80, of White Rock, BC passed away peacefully of a stroke. Born in Ituna, Sask. her childhood was a typical one on a Canadian prairie farm, full of hard work, minimal amenities, close multi-generational ties and wholesome, honest living. Growing up, she dreamed and read of magical places far from the isolation of rural Sask. In Regina, after receiving her training as an x-ray/lab technician, Gladys met her husband, Harinder Rai, and moved to BC's vibrant west coast. Gladys was a devoted daughter, wife, mom, partner, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. She joyfully dedicated her entire energy towards family life and creatively inspired her children and grandchildren to be adventurous souls. Tirelessly, she supported the dreams and aspirations of her family in sports and fitness, the arts, in academics and exposed them to a variety of experiences that made their lives dynamic and memorable. Her beauty, warmth, friendly and unique outgoing nature was felt by all who knew and met her. After the untimely death of her husband in 1984, her strength to look forward and adjust graciously to her new life was an indication of her bold and resilient spirit. She embodied an artful & active life and enjoyed photography, ceramics, skating, skiing, the beach, Olympic Games, water colour painting, dancing, travelling, reading, guitar, hosting parties, fashion, decorating, boating, scrapbooking, treasure hunting, multi-cultural celebrations & cats. She always had an interest in medicine & health and worked as a radiology/lab tech and medical office assistant. She is affectionately described by her many friends and family as "so much fun and the life of the party." Gladys had a strong spiritual foundation and loved reading about and embracing universal truths shared by all the great faiths around the world. She honourably shared and passed on her Polish-Ukrainian traditions with her family, as well as immersed herself with Indian family, culture and community. She was a true global citizen and ambassador of world peace. She taught through example by loving unconditionally, being open minded to all ideas, encouraging freedom of expression and helping those in need. May her spirit soar into the arms of her saviour Jesus Christ. She is predeceased by mother Tillie [(Tekla) nee Filko] and father Walter (Wladyslaw) Sikorski, her husband, Harinder Jit Singh Rai, siblings Helen, Julien and Albert Donald Sikorski. She is survived by her siblings Erwin Sikorski (Isabelle) of Regina, Sask, and Joanne Trzaskowski (Fred) of Langley, her children Michelle Marie Kartar Kaur Rai of Gabriola Island, Sharon Jit Locke of Langley, Pamela Leila Rai of Nanaimo, Rajan Jit Singh Sikorski Rai of Langley, and her long time partner & companion Richard Steele of Surrey. She adored and leaves on earth many nieces, nephews and her seven beloved grandchildren: Joshua & Dustin Locke, Talia Kopach, Kaitlin, Jaclyn, Chantelle & Zackery Rai.
Funeral service and reception to be held: Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 2 pm at Valley View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 14644 72nd Ave, Surrey, BC.