It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys Mary Blake (née Macfarlane), aged 91, who left this world peacefully, on November 15th, 2025. Born on July 12th, 1934 in Edinburgh, Scotland to David and Winifred, Gladys grew up surrounded by love and laughter with her sister, Margaret, even through the devastation of World War II. Her strength and resilience she developed carried through to every chapter of her life, giving her courage as she immigrated to Canada in 1956.

Being a Gillespie’s girl, Gladys excelled in sports. She played field hockey for them, loved to swim and play tennis. Later, she enjoyed years of organized bowling and, even with a walker, could beat us to the elevator.

Gladys loved to dance and met her husband, Alex, at the dances in the old country. She loved to read, knit, listen to music, and enjoyed shows and dinners out. Gladys played in a neighbourhood Euchre group and played regularly for over 50 years. The group were all friends and continued to stay in contact.

Gladys worked hard for the Ontario Provincial Government and received many excellent reviews and promotions. Toward the end of her career, she worked for the Federal Government through Petro Canada. In her retirement years, Gladys and Alex spent time enjoying the Haliburton Highlands and made many dear friends there.

Gladys loved being a grandmother to Laura and Nicole and great grandmother to Patrick, Parker and Preston. She always had a box of Smarties waiting for them, and five dollars for every goal scored at a hockey game.

She is survived by her children Alan (Joanne) and Philip (Tracey), her granddaughter Laura (Phil) and her three beautiful and rambunctious great grandsons Patrick, Parker and Preston. She now reunites with her husband Alexander and granddaughter Nicole and many friends and family.

Though we will all miss her, we celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the legacy