Obituary of Gladys Caldwell

On January 11, 2014 surrounded by her loving family, Gladys Florence (Webster) Caldwell of RR3 Blyth passed away in her 94th year at Alexander Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, Ontario. Dearly loved wife of the late Ralph Caldwell (1999). Dear mother of Anne & Dave Cottel, Crediton; Leslie & Evelyn Caldwell, RR3, Blyth; Wayne & Deborah Caldwell, RR6, Goderich; Stephen & Joan Caldwell, RR3, Blyth & Karen & Ron Bruinsma, Port Perry. She is survived by 15 grandchildren & 12 great grandchildren. Grandchildren include Allan Cottel, Arlene Cottel (Pat Overholt), Ian and Sarah Caldwell, Kristy Caldwell (Derrick Godden), Tim and Jenn Caldwell, Mark Caldwell (friend Sarah Ferreira), Michael Caldwell, Alison Caldwell (friend Adam Oliver), Eric Caldwell (friend Ava Scholten), Ben Caldwell, Jason and Amy Bruinsma, Matt Bruinsma, Kevin Bruinsma (friend Carina Haan), Laura Bruinsma, and Andrea Bruinsma. Great Grandchildren include Rae, Mackenzie, Grace, Amy, Garrett, Sadie, Christopher, Elliott, Hannah, Natalie, Mason and Ryan. Predeceased by her parents Joseph & Maud Webster and her sisters Bertha Webster, Isabel Partridge, Mary Young & Elizabeth Riley. Gladys was born and raised in Hullett Township. She grew up during the Great Depression where she learned important life skills. While she only had the opportunity of a grade 8 education, she knew how to apply herself; she was resourceful and knew how to manage a household. With these skills, as a young woman she helped a number of families with childcare and related domestic work. With the on-set of the Second World War she fell in love with her life partner Ralph and they married in 1943. Ralph and Gladys took over the Caldwell family farm in East Wawanosh Township, just north of Blyth and here they raised their family of 5 children. In the early years of their marriage Gladys was a full-time farmer, a full-time homemaker and a full-time mother. She was often in the fields or in the barn helping with chores. Preparing meals at harvest was equally demanding. In the 40's and 50's it was still common for threshing gangs to descend on a single farm for several days and the meals had to be prepared. Gladys was known for her cooking skills - her pies and tarts were famous throughout the neighbourhood! As the decades passed Gladys was active in the community and with her family. She was a member of the Blyth United Church from the day she moved to her new home in East Wawanosh Township. She was active with the United Church Women and assumed a number of leadership roles. Even with mobility challenges in the latter part of her life she remained an active supporter and looked forward to visits from the Minister and other church members. She was also active in the community's local one room school (SS#10) helping with school and community events. While this school closed in the 1960's, replaced by a "modern" school in Blyth her interest in education never wavered. It was evident in the encouragement she gave her own children to pursue their passions and interests. She took great pride in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over her life Gladys witnessed history: from the Great Depression, to the Second World War, to the invention of the computer and more. Despite these changes that defined generations, she retained certain basic values that defined her life. A belief in family, a belief in community, a belief in education, a belief in helping others and a belief in others. She was a woman of faith, who was charitable and thoughtful. She was also an optimist who never complained and who loved the company of others. She died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family. Friends will be received at the Blyth United Church, 442 Mill St., Blyth, on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The Funeral was held on Wednesday January 15th at the Blyth United Church. Pastor Sandra Cable officiated. Spring burial Blyth Union Cemetery. Donations for the Blyth United Church, One Care or a charity of the individual's choice would be appreciated. Condolences for the Caldwell family may be forwarded to www.falconerfuneralhomes.com