It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Gladys Dalen on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. She left us as she lived, with quiet grace and elegance and in the loving arms of her oldest son Robert who tirelessly cared for her in her later years and in the thoughts and heart of her son David who lives in Calgary.

Irreplaceable mother and mother in-law to Robert, and David (Lori Isaac); adored grandmother to Kai Michael Dalen; beloved sister in-law to Doreen Tangen (Edmonton), Emma Dalen, and Irene Dalen (both in Grande Prairie); and loving aunt to many other members of the Dalen and Tangen families.

Gladys was predeceased by her husband Kenneth Birger Dalen (June 21, 2013); younger brother Donald Tangen; two older sisters: Agnes Tangen, and Myrtle Nelson; and two older brothers: Art Tangen and John Tangen.

Gladys was born to Peter and Augusta Tangen in Holden, AB. The Tangen Family moved to Edmonton where Gladys attended Business College. Gladys met Ken in Edmonton where they married and Robert was born. The family moved to Grande Prairie where David was born.

Gladys was a Christian woman who found great joy through her church and through participating in bible study groups for many years. She was a soft spoken woman, committed to raising her family and serving our Lord. She had a great appreciation for classical music and played her collection of records regularly; and, when time would permit, she would travel to Edmonton to see operas with her sister Agnes. Gladys was the book keeper for Ken’s Masonry Company.

Gladys was giving of her time, love, and support to her family and her dear friends. Through difficulties with her health spanning over many years, we came to realize how strong our mother really was. No matter the difficulties she faced, she would only be interested in the welfare of others in her life, never a word of her own afflictions. She would marvel for days over stories of the accomplishments of her grandson and was always quick to find the humor in a moment or a story. Her laughter would light up a room and our hearts. She was our “Iron Lady” and as regal in manner as a queen. We will miss her dearly in daily lives but gain solace knowing that she is at peace in heaven.

We are grateful to Gladys’ close and loyal friends, family, and care givers who have shared their love, support, and time with Gladys, bringing her joy through thick and thin.

A Celebration of Gladys’ Life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 1:30pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Glaucoma Research Society of Canada (1929 Bayview Avenue, Suite 215E, Toronto, ON, M4G 3E8) are appreciated.