Obituary of Gladys Heinrichs

It is with great sadness to announce that Gladys Violet Heinrichs (nee McNeill) passed away December 24, 2022 at the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan at the age of 100 years. She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Lena McNeill; husband of 55 years Jacob Heinrichs; and siblings Leonard, John, Doris, Gordon, Mary and Mavis.

Gladys will be missed by her three children Sharon, Donald (Sheila) and Cindy; grandchildren Wade (Tina) Heinrichs, Kyle (Leah) Moser, Jill (Dwight) Benaschak, Chad (Kayla) Moser, Jaimee (Garett) Guenther; great grandchildren Bailey, Jacob, Chazlie, Callie, Rhett, Jace, Emmy, Ella, Eli, Navy; great great grandchild Jhett; brother Robert (Iris) McNeill as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Gladys was born on August 17, 1922 in Bateman, Sk. She was raised in a farmhouse and went to school in Shamrock. She spent her childhood helping out on the family farm, gardening, sewing, playing softball and curling. She married Jake in 1943 and they spent their first months of marriage in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They moved back to Shamrock on their first wedding anniversary and opened up a restaurant, which they operated for 3 years. They built a house in Shamrock where they raised their three children. Jake and Gladys travelled all over Canada and USA with their kids. 

Gladys was an active member in the community. She often helped at the rink and ball diamonds during games, events and sports days. She loved watching local sports. Gladys was a member of the United Church Ladies Auxiliary, operated/maintained the Shamrock Museum and volunteered at events at the Community Hall. 

She was employed with Home Care for many years and frequently took care of those in need. Gladys spent her years in Shamrock checking in on her friends and selflessly offered her many talents. She loved to bake, mend and cut hair for all members of the community. Gladys maintained multiple gardens well into her 90s and gifted many homemade quilts.

Gladys moved into the Pioneer Villa in Gravelbourg in 2008 but continued to drive to Shamrock to tend to her gardens and home. She spent her time at the Villa and Foyer doing puzzles, riding her bike, folding laundry and tending to plants and flowers. 

Gladys settled into her room at the Foyer D’Youville in Gravelbourg in 2016. Thanks to the amazing staff at the Foyer D’Youville home in St Joseph’s Hospital for the compassionate care she was given. 

Gladys will be remembered for her story telling, love of babies and children, laughter, wrestling, eagerness to help and delicious baking. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Shamrock Hall on July 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations In Gladys’ name may be made to the Shamrock Community Hall or Shamrock Regional Park.