Gloria Marion Geldrich (nee Watson)

October 16, 1925 - July 26, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria Marion Geldrich (nee Watson) on 26 July 2021. She was the last of a generation, a true embodiment of her time, and her passing marks the end of an era in our family.
Gloria was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Melvin Richard Geldrich as well as her parents, Robert & Jessie (Mickey) Watson and brothers, Bob & Bruce. She is survived, and sorely missed, by her children Bob (Deanie), Nadine (Greg) and Michael (Kornelia), grandchildren Carrie, Tisha (Grant), Erika (Dayne), Derek (Lyndsay), Christel (Nathan) and Kevin (Tamerra), great-grandchildren Keegan, Zachary, Hayden, Lane, Chasey, Cohen, Lily, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family Ruth, Akshay, Dustyn and Melinda.
Born on October 16, 1925, at the Trail Hospital, Gloria grew up and worked in Trail at the Rialto Theater and then CM&S Company Store until she met Mel. Once they were engaged, and then married on April 2,1947, Gloria's main focus became their new and burgeoning family. Her family was her entire life, and she doted on not only her three children, but her mother, and her brother's families as well.
In later years, her family focus only grew. She absolutely cherished the close relationships she had with her grandchildren and then her great-grandchildren. Her love and pride for her family was well known; she never turned down an opportunity to praise them!
Gloria adored a little bit of adventure (so long as it didn't involve a plane!). Travelling yearly to Reno in the first half of their marriage, regular trips across "the line" were common. Be it for camping, family and friends, or just a bit of shopping - a part of Gloria's heart will always be in the USA - her favorite place to visit.
There was no such thing as a stranger in her world. It didn't matter where she went or who you were - you were her friend. Starting conversations with "How old do you think I am?" was her specialty; and her feisty, spunky attitude demanded a response. It rarely took much cajoling on her part to get you to partake in her game - and the responses were usually filled with laughter and no small bit of admiration and surprise when you learned her true age.
This kind, loving and generous woman was quirky and fun-loving. She loved a great joke, a garage sale of any size, a big hug, a good book and a good old Western movie. She was a glorious powerhouse of a woman, who never tried to be anyone other than herself. The world is a dimmer place without her unique spark.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Monday, August 16, 2021, starting at 12:30 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rossland, BC (2056 Columbia Avenue). Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation ServicesTM has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, a donation to any charity of your choice in her name is a testament to her loving character and greatly appreciated by the family.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services