Obituary of Glenda Irene Labelle

November 6, 1934 - Rowatt, Saskatchewan

February 4, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Glenda Irene Labelle (Jones) completed her life on earth at the age of 89 and passed away peacefully to her dragonfly stage on Sunday, February 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was always very grateful that her life was rich and fulfilling. Her greatest joy was always her beloved family.

Glenda was born on November 6, 1934, in the family farmhouse near Rowatt, SK, just south of Regina. She received her early education in a one-room school (South Regina School District) and later attended Central Collegiate in Regina, attaining her diploma in Nursing through the Regina General Hospital in 1956. It was in Saskatchewan that she met the love of her life, Robert (Roby) Labelle, and was married in that same year.

Glenda is predeceased by her loving husband Roby, her parents, Morgan and Alice Jones; and sisters, Doreen (Bill) Kellock and Ada-Lou (Warren) Bock. She is survived by her four sons and their extended families: Rob, Shirley, Ryan (Megan, Finn), Shane (Madison), Travis (Joelle), Curt, Nancy, Jennifer (Taylor), Parissa (Mark, Wesley, Chloe), Glenn, Susan, Tanner (Lisa), Chad (Sydney), Bobby, Thom, Tracy, Matthew, and Maya; and sister-in-law Irene Guppy. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Glenda was a woman of love and laughter and was blessed with an unending “spirit of inquiry”. She had a gift of giving and making people feel special. Glenda often took on the unselfish role of coordinating and managing the healthcare of many, many family members, and friends, making positive contributions to their lives. She was also a rebel, but always with a cause, and challenged the traditional roles of women in society from the outset.

Glenda entirely and unwaveringly dedicated the first four decades of her life to her husband and raising her four sons. She then turned her attention back to self-improvement and as a mature student, obtained a BA in Psychology/Sociology in 1976 from the University of Calgary. She followed that up by pioneering a new program and receiving a master’s degree in nursing in 1983, also from the University of Calgary. She truly enjoyed every moment of her nursing career, working in acute care and various other capacities, primarily at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary.

Glenda was very proud to be the first nurse to be elected to the Board of Management, Foothills General Hospital (1990-1995). She also served as a board member of the Alumni Association of the University of Calgary (1995-2000), and a member of the Reginal Mental Health Committee (1995-2000). She served on the executive board of the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (Alberta Division) and was cofounder of The Healing Connection Society of Calgary and the Integrative Health Institute (Holy Cross 2001-2003).

Glenda was always at the leading edge of health reform, advocating for and incorporating mental health, family and integrative health, and spiritual healing in concert with traditional Western medicine. She was also actively involved and interested in local politics and was steadfast in her support of her party and various candidates and ministers. Glenda had a strong sense of community and was an active and contributing member of the Triwood crew for many years.

Glenda always said her greatest gift in life was her family and she and Roby spent much of their lives watching their sons participate in countless sports, social, academic, and musical activities. She always played an active role in all that her sons, daughters-in-law, and precious grandchildren did. Her family will never forget the grandchild mantra of “Grandma Glenda is Wonderful!”, which was expressed with a hearty and wholesome laugh each time. Glenda loved the sun and the sand and cherished her annual trip to Hawaii with Roby and friends during the golden years, as she became less enamored with winter.

Her greatest joys in life were having a loving family, lifetime friends, the pleasure of “uncontrollable laughter”, and the priceless embrace of the chubby little arms of a toddler. Her legacy as a wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, colleague, friend, and more, will continue through all the people she encountered. Her infectious energy filled every room she entered; her laughter was like music to our ears and her Saskatchewan two-step dance was from the core and blissful. Her sense of humor was mischievous and delightful, bringing joy to even the darkest days.

The family would like to thank Marlena, Frida, Dora, and the staff at Brentwood Care Centre for their assistance and patience in making Glenda’s last few years of life as comfortable as possible.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Glenda’s Life at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Glenda’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing at https://nursing.ucalgary.ca/giving.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Glenda’s family here.

In living memory of Glenda Irene Labelle, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Glenda Irene Labelle's Celebration of Life