Gloria Anne Nagel
October 12th, 2018
Gloria Anne Shannon was born the 10th of 12 children. Though she grew up during hard times (coming out of the great depression), she always spoke fondly of her early years. It was through homesteading that she developed her unshakeable work ethic, sense of humor and love of family, which she maintained throughout her entire life.
She often reminisced about her family. How much joy there was coming from such a large family. You never lacked a friend to work or play with. Gloria maintained this loving nature along with a good sense of humor her entire life. Thank you to all family & friends for your helping hand in nurturing her to be this fantastic lady.
After working in Innisfail and Calgary, she moved to Edmonton where she met her husband Eugene. On November 6th 1960 Gloria and Eugene were blessed with the birth of their son Darrel Eugene Nagel. While living and working in Edmonton Gloria & Eugene decided to go forward with their plan to go homesteading.
Gloria, Eugene and Darrel moved into an old school bus on their homestead in the Sunset House area in June, 1968. In December of that year, after their boots literally freezing to the bus floor, Gloria insisted that they move into the house that they were building; a house missing windows (there were plastic coverings), no electricity or running water. She was still able to create a most lovable home. While they were in the Sunset house area Gloria established some very good friendships. Even though every day was a hard day’s work. Gloria looked upon this era of her life as one of the most fulfilling.
In 1969, Gloria and her family welcomed little Robbie into their lives. Robbie came to live with them for a short while through the foster care system. When they removed him to return him to his birth mother, Gloria was heartbroken. She informed social services that she would never do it again, unless it was for keeps.
On December 8, 1970, her wish was granted. It was on this day that they adopted Friedrich (Rick) Raymond Nagel. Even without many material possessions, Gloria established one of the most loving homes any child could wish for. Many family members came out in the summer to stay and visit; in fact several nieces and nephews would spend summers with them. She was always happiest taking care of & creating fun for others (Including many animals).
A yearly highlight of Gloria’s was traveling to the annual family reunion. She was able to spend quality time with her siblings, and planning and playing games with all the children she loved so dearly.
The Nagel family moved from the homestead to Grande Prairie in 1979, after buying a house. Gloria worked several jobs in Grande Prairie before finally ending up at the Crown and Anchor. It was here that she worked several years and established some of her dearest friendships. This was a very fulfilling time in her life.
After Eugene passed away in 1988, Gloria remained in Grande Prairie for a year before moving to Spruce Grove with Darrel and his wife, Annette. After only a few months, it was evident to Gloria that she was missing her friends and the life that she established in Grande Prairie, so she decided to return (later moving in with her eldest granddaughter, Chandel). Gloria made her final move, returning to Calgary to be with Darrel, Annette and their youngest daughter Amanda in 2001.
One of Gloria’s greatest joys was her grandchildren. She established a loving relationship with each and every one of them. Chandel, Amanda, Lacy and Carter were her world. They couldn’t have asked for a better Grams, Grammy, and friend. She ensured each one of them knew a special love only she could provide. Her world was made even better when she was blessed with two beautiful great granddaughters Anneika and Brynleigh. She was very sad over the loss of her great- grandson Mason.
Gloria was the greatest gift anyone could have wished for. As the matriarch of her family, she taught humility, generosity and to eliminate any judgement for her fellow man. Even through this most difficult time, she showed the world what it means to live graciously, even beyond your final breaths.
Mom, Grams, Grammy, Oma: thank you so much for blessing our family with your love, patience and guidance throughout the years. In our hearts you will forever remain. A Celebration of Life will be held at Kevisville Community Church, Kevisville, Alberta on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm.
Messages:
Gloria, First of all, I would life to thank you for growing from "Darrel's mom" to be such an important part of my life. Throughout each of the years that we spent together, you tirelessly proved to be the most positive person that I have ever known. You always spoke of everyone's best qualities and only saw the best on people. You never complained even when life was hard. You worked hard; harder than anyone I know. It was inspiring to see the amount of pride you took in each of your jobs well done. As time went on each of your sons had children of their own, which allowed you to take on the role you were born to do. The role of grandmother. You were the absolute best grandmother any child could ever wish for; you spent the type of quality time with your grandchildren that shaped them into the people they are today. You taught them to help in the kitchen. At first, teaching them to make meals out of fruit kabobs when they were young and later showing them how to make cookies and cakes when they were old enough to use the stove. You took them camping and climbed the side of a mountain because they wanted to. You were always ready to do anything that the kids wanted to do. You took them to the hot springs and gondola in Banff. You had a picnic in the snow at the top of the mountain in the middle of summer, because that's what they wanted to do. Being the fearless grandma you always did the rides at the fairs or amusement parks because I was too afraid. Of course I had the perfect excuse and couldn't do them because I suffered from motion sickness. I remember when we traveled south yearly for the family reunions; how the main focus of these gatherings for you was always the kids and your relationship with each of them. How the games, prizes and fun were the main focus of the trip. You made the family reunions memorable and exciting. Your love of the children never waivered throughout your life. You taught me that they are our future and need to be nourished with unconditional love so they will flourish for the rest of their lives. I am proud to say that I believe that our children are flourishing because of your fun-loving temperment and the love you showed each of them as individuals. When Gene died, I saw your true strenght shine through. All that you thought about was shielding your sons from pain. You taught us life goes on through the pain; to focus on the beautiful memories and cherish them. When you finally decided to grace us with your presence full time by moving in with Darrel and I, and our girls, you became more then Darrel's mom. You became more than a wonderful grandmother to our daughters; you became my best friend in the world. We could spend all day playing cards, going out, shopping, bingo and going on our weekly lunch dates. I can't even try to imagine the number of times we had forgotten to make dinner, so we would have to order in. I'm so very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience so many of life's joys with you. You have seen me at my lowest of lows and my highest of highs. No matter the situation you always focused on my well being. I wish i was half the person you were and could offer the same support you offered me. I'm eternally grateful to the whole family. Gloria was very fortunate to explore and capture so many of the highlights of her life with you. Going to Fairmont every year for golfing, playing cards and doing puzzels together. She was especially fond of going on your nature walks. Going on a cruise to Alaska, traveling over Scotland and Ireland, traveling to Amanda and Lee's wedding in Mexico. Getting the opportunity to travel to Germany and meeting Eugene's family were some of the memorable trips Gloria was fortunate enough to make. I'm going to miss your physical presence in my life so much. Our home already feels emptier. But rest assured my dearest friend, you will always live in my heart for the rest of time. Rest in Peace. I know we will meet againg. I love you. Annette your loving daughter-in-law and best friend
Dear Darrell, Rick and Family, My sincere sympathy for the loss of your Mom, (Grandmother and Great Grandmother). I have thought of you, Darrel and Rick, throughout the years and hope that life has been fulfilling and happy. I truly admired and cared for your Mom! We were neighbors on our farms outside of High Prairie and spent many times visiting back and forth between our families. I loved Gloria's sense of humor and her love of life. One funny memory I have is being with her at the Chuck Wagon races at the High Prairie Stampede. Your Mom was yelling at the top of her lungs for a team. The next thing I saw was your Mom's top denture flying out of her mouth!! She didn't miss a beat - slipped them back in and laughed as she continued cheering!! :) I lived with you all for a short while in 1980 in Grande Prairie and really appreciated her opening up her home for me to spread my wings to the big city!! She was a great "surrogate mom" to me. I have always appreciated that time in my life. I still make Grande Prairie my home all these years later! Now you are all dealing with the tremendous loss of such a wonderful person. I am so very sorry for that. She was a very special, loving person. I lost my mom in July 2006 and then my Dad in November 2016. I know all too well the pain you are feeling. May you all find comfort and strength in the memories you have of your mom in the time ahead, as you mourn her loss. Take good care! I am thinking of you all, Many Blessings, Linda Bonise (nee Taylor)
Heaven got a great lady and we had got to enjoy the years to now and enjoy her on earth.