It is with great sadness the family of Gladys Martha Edwards (McNeil) of Grand Falls-Windsor NL announce her passing on January 10th at the Central Heath Long Term Care in Grand Falls-Windsor at the age of 78.

Born February 13, 1945 in Trepassey, NL to Albert and Catherine McNeil, Gladys grew up close to the sea with her 6 siblings. As the second child, Gladys left home at 16 to pursue higher education. An academic with a passion for learning, she attended Teachers College at St. Bride’s Littledale in St. John’s and entered the workforce shortly after. The next 3 years she worked in different communities and returned home for the summers before accepting a full-time position in Grand Falls-Windsor.

While in her first year of teaching at Notre Dame Academy, Gladys was stopped one day on Hill Road by a young man driving named Wallace Edwards, a local boy, who offered her a ride home. Wally took a chance to ask her out to a Union Dance, and they danced through the next 59 years together. They were always the best dancers on the floor!

They wed in July 1969 and raised two sons together. She was devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, always giving her best to her family and students. Gladys taught and touched many generations of families in Grand Falls-Windsor. She referred to many of her best and closet friends as “The Teachers” who used to socialize both at and outside school. Gladys could often be heard inside, and in some cases outside the school during her Grade 4 or 5 lessons.

Gladys also had a passion for walking and the outdoors. She could be spotted daily on the roads of Grand Falls with her friend and walking partner Rita Sullivan who was like family to her.

Wally and Gladys built a cabin on Badger Lake in 1974. The cabin was a big part of her life and she enjoyed her time there whenever she could. She could often be found walking roads or lounging in the sun (winter or summer).

She was into fashion and had a high attention to detail. She would always say “Anything worth doing is worth doing right”. This was true about her appearance, teaching, her house, and her family.

Her love for her grandchildren was endless and she would often be heard speaking about her amazing grandsons and ”her girls”. They will miss their nanny greatly.

Gladys was predeceased by her parents, sister Sheila and brother Jim. Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are; her sister; Phyllis (Ken Robson), brothers; Harry (Angela), Kevin, Paul (Linda), sisters-in-law; Patricia and Irene. She will be greatly missed by her sons; Patrick (Andrea) and Brian (Carolyn); and her grandchildren; Ben, Josh, Charlotte, Madeline, and Olivia.

A very heartfelt thank you to the wonderful medical staff at Central Heath Long Term Care in Grand Falls-Windsor over the last 2 years for their compassionate care of Gladys and Wally. Wally and the family very much appreciate your care and level of love and support over difficult time in her life.

Flowers gratefully accepted, or donations can be made in her memory to Lionel Kelland Hospice.

Visitation will be held at Central Funeral Homes on Monday, January 15th, 2024 from 7pm to 9pm. All are welcome.

Father Moses will conduct the funeral service at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024. Interment will follow with a small group and family.

Urnbearers are Patrick and Brian Edwards.