Gladys May Beatrice COX

HURTIG, Gladys May Beatrice 2008-04-18 The family of Gladys Hurtig sadly announces her peaceful passing on, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. A long-time resident of Thunder Bay, Gladys was the beloved wife of the late Harry Hurtig. Born in Rivers, Manitoba on October 4, 1910, the eldest daughter of Sidney and Beatrice Cox who had emigrated from London, England. Gladys moved to Fort William with her family at the age of four. She was educated in local schools and became the buyer for Chapples Department Store in Fort William, until moving to England in 1936, a daring undertaking for a woman in those days, and an adventure she loved to recall. While she was in London, she was employed by Harrod’s of London as a buyer in ladies wear. With the threat of World War II looming, she returned to Canada and was sent to Geraldton, Ontario as a department manager with Chapples, fully expecting to return to England as soon as the war ended. However, romance intervened and on November 16, 1938, Gladys married Harry Hurtig at the Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto and settled in Geraldton where Harry managed the Mariaggi Hotel which his father had just built during the Geraldton gold rush. In 1942, they and their two young children moved to Fort William. A committed community volunteer with many local organizations, Gladys was a long-time member of both the Lady Grey Chapter and Princess Beatrice Chapter of the IODE. She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Port Arthur General Hospital where she enjoyed working at the tuck shop. An accomplished knitter, it was her pleasure to donate her knitting to the hospital long after her active involvement ended. She was also the buyer for the Pigeon River Gift Shop that was the main attraction of the family-owned Pigeon River Hotel. Gladys enjoyed attending many performances at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, especially the Symphony Concerts. She was always in the company of friends who shared her love of music. She also enjoyed her lunches out with her warm circle of friends. Gladys also had a green thumb and took a great deal of pride in the many lovely plants she raised. Gladys will be sadly missed by her daughter Sheila Robertson (Bruce) of Manotick, Ontario and her sons Terry (Sue Anne) of Thunder Bay and William of Winnipeg. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Michael Bresalier (Sarah) of Bristol, England, Julie Bresalier (Mathieu) of Squamish, B.C., Alexander Robertson of Squamish, B.C., Trevor Hurtig (Tanya) and Evan Hurtig (Sherri) of Thunder Bay, Adam Hurtig and Kathryn Hurtig of Winnipeg and by her great-grandchildren Max Bresalier of Bristol, England, Sierra-Neige Jolicouer-Bresalier of Squamish, B.C., Abigail, Owen and Sydney Hurtig and Aaliyah Hurtig of Thunder Bay. Also surviving are her sister Ann Doman of Victoria, B.C., her brothers Edward Cox (Tillie) of Thunder Bay and Donald Cox (Sandra) of Grand Bend, Ontario, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband in January, 2004, her parents, her brothers William, Robert and Frederick and her sisters Mildred Kubala and her husband Alec and Elizabeth McLaren and her husband Gordon, as well as her brothers-in-law Dave Schoales and Charlie Doman. The family deeply appreciated the dedicated care of Dr. Webster and the Fifth Floor Transition Unit and the Hospice Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital. At Glady’s request, there will be no funeral. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation in Glady’s name or the charity of your choice.