Gloria always put others first, took in every stray cat, and supported every person and cause around her that needed help. While doing this, she always looked for the best in everyone and everything. It was who she was. Her deep care for others, her family, her community, and even strangers profoundly influences how her family approaches life today. She taught everyone the importance of looking out for others, seeing where there was a need, and leaning in to help.

Part of her care for others was always being present with whoever she was with. When she was with you, there was no one else in the world. Her goal was to ensure people felt seen, heard, and loved, with more than a few calling her their “go-to” person.

Gloria achieved many amazing things in her life. Whether in her work career, her First Nation advocacy, or simply spending time with friends and family, she had no trouble making and maintaining friendships. Each of her stories reflects a life well-lived, but when you add the trauma of her early years, her journey becomes an extraordinary one—one that seemed almost impossible, yet highlights her resilience and strength of character.

At four years old, Gloria was injured in an accident at her home in Meander River. Her brother Mike’s quick thinking saved her life, buying enough time to get her airlifted to Fort Vermillion Hospital. Eventually, she was transferred to the burn unit at the University of Alberta Hospital for further treatment.

She was there without her family and was almost immediately told that she had been given away and was not wanted. Somehow, this five-year-old girl knew this was a lie and fought hard to heal so she could return home. Amazingly, she survived her physical injuries, only to be stolen from the hospital by hospital staff, an Indian agent and a clergyman, and sent to live with strangers.

All of this happened before her seventh birthday. She was eventually illegally adopted in 1958 and hidden from her real family. She often dreamed about her big brother Mike coming to save her again—these are her words. She held onto that dream for nearly 30 years. When she was old enough, she worked tirelessly to find a way back to her family.

She did this for all of us, and with the support and encouragement of her husband, she found them in 1983. She accomplished the impossible and reunited with her family. When she saw her birth mother, Christine Mercredi, for the first time in nearly 30 years, her mother greeted her with the words, “My baby has finally come home to me.”

This could be a much longer story, but I wanted to share this short version with you to honor Gloria and tell a story of resilience and triumph over almost impossible odds.

I doubt I will ever fully understand how this person—my mother, our hero—functioned as a human being after her traumatic childhood, let alone achieved what she did in life. How was she able to be the joyful, loving, thoughtful, and caring person she was after the abuse she suffered? It’s an improbable story, but an important one to share.

I will carry her memory in my heart and strive to live by the example she set, knowing that her spirit will forever guide and inspire me.

Mom went home on April 12th, 2024 and remained a generous spirit until the very end.

“In life’s circle of events, the Creator gave me the opportunity to connect with my family again when I was 34. I give thanks every day.” Janette Gloria Carwell

Mahsi Cho

Tim (her son)