It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gladys Farion Kangas on March 2, 2026, at the age of 87. A woman of remarkable resilience and creativity, Gladys lived a life defined by her devotion to family and her hard-won independence.
Roots and Early Life
Born on January 8, 1939, in Skaro, Alberta, Gladys was raised on farms in Skaro and later Redwater. Gladys joins her late parents, Andrew and Emily Farion, and her brothers, Bob and Raymond, in eternal rest. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Joan and Dianne. Gladys remained deeply connected to her many cousins throughout her life and cherished those lifelong bonds.
A Journey of Independence
Married as a teenager, Gladys raised four children at a young age. In the 1980s, she returned to the workforce in the accounting department at Nova Pipelines, where she truly enjoyed her professional independence. One of her proudest achievements was working with a builder in 2000 to construct her own home in Arbour Lake, Calgary—a house she was happy to finally call her own.
Family and Legacy
Gladys was a pillar for her family, weathering the profound heartbreak of losing two of her sons, Larry and Dennis. Her legacy of strength lives on through her surviving children and their families:
◦ Sharon Kangas (widow of Larry)
◦ Jeannie (Paul) MacDonald
◦ Glenn (Laurie) Kangas
She was the beloved "Baba" to nine grandchildren: Jessica, Sarah, Andrew, Logan, Hallie, Caden, Spencer, Jacey, and Kendra; and to three great-grandchildren: Silas, Orson, and James.
Artistry, Travel, and Tradition
Gladys was a woman of many talents. In her early years, she ran a successful drapery business, making beautiful custom drapes. Later, she found joy in the "Mud Bud" pottery group and became an avid quilter, showing her love through the many quilts she gifted to family and friends.
Gladys was an excellent cook who took great pride in her heritage. Her favorite day of the year was Ukrainian Christmas eve; she loved preparing the traditional dinner and sharing that special time with her family.
Her happiest summers were spent at the family cabin on Mara Lake and later at her own cabin in Fairmont, BC. In retirement, she embraced the "snowbird" life in Phoenix, Arizona, and traveled the world, visiting Ukraine, Israel, Turkey, and the Maritimes. She was predeceased by her dear cousin, Marjorie Wright, and leaves behind her very close friend, Sharon Fahey.
Celebration of Life
Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories and celebrate Gladys's life: Monday, March 23, 2026 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Edgemont Community Centre - 33 Edgevalley Circle NW, Calgary, AB.
Acknowledgments and Memorial
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Bow View Manor and Foothills Hospital for their care.
Donations made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada in Gladys’s memory would be appreciated.