Gladys Caroline Welbourne

Gladys Caroline Welbourne (De’Ath, Jones)

Peacefully, on October 28th, 2026, Gladys passed away at the age of 98 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her kindness and care inspired all who knew her.

Gladys was born March 21st 1928, in Neepawa, Manitoba to George and Margaret De’Ath. Gladys was the second oldest of five children. She is survived by her brothers William (Joy) and Roy (Veronica), and her sister Joyce (Ross). She was predeceased by her brother Art (Carol).

She grew up in the Mentmore area southwest of Neepawa, where her brother William (Joy) and family still reside. She attended school in the Iroquois, Osprey and Gordon districts of the Springhill/Mentmore area. Growing up on the farm she developed a passion for chickens. She was involved in 4-H poultry club and earned a trip to Toronto in 1949 through her successes. After school she started working at the Neepawa Hospital as an assistant cook and then head cook. She then met David Lewis Jones, and they were married on November 14th, 1953. After their marriage, she devoted herself to life on the farm, was a member of the United Church Women (UCW), and loved to curl. Gladys and Lewis went on to raise two wonderful children, Ross (Joanne), and Beth. Her children were her pride and joy!

Gladys was pre-deceased by her husband Lewis who was tragically taken in 1973. She then moved to Brandon and worked at the Brandon Hospital. In 1977, she married Gordon Welbourne and moved to Hartney, Manitoba. While in Hartney she was an active member of the Royal Purple and Ladies Health Auxiliary where she volunteered many hours in the community. Each summer she tended her large garden and had an abundance of fresh vegetables on hand. In her later years, camping was a big part of her life. She enjoyed the companionship and camaraderie of her closest friends and relatives. Gladys moved back to Brandon in 1999 where she lived for the next 27 years.

Grandma Gladys always made time for her grandchildren: Amber (Greg), Shaun (Tara), Kyle (Leanne), Christie, and Ritchie (Leah). She also made time for her great-grandchildren: Aidan, Keenan, Ashlynn, Aydra, Owen, Benjamin, and Henry. She was predeceased by her great-grandchild, baby Jasmine.

Special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Dinsdale Personal Care Home in Brandon, Manitoba for their wonderful care.

A graveside memorial service will take place in the spring of 2027. Announcement to follow.