Obituary of GLORIA NINA KALEN

GLORIA NINA KALEN

July 31st, 1926 to July 24th, 2017

Peacefully, with family by her side and knowing that she was loved, Gloria Nina Kalen (nee Novak) passed away at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg.

Gloria was born on July 31, 1926 in the north end of Winnipeg, where her father, Dr. Gregory Novak, practiced Obstetrics.  In 1957, she married Henry Kalen and together they shared a life of adventure, love and laughter until his passing in 2004.  They had three children and three grandchildren along the way: Carlu (Berard – Ron; Danielle and Aidan), Marya (Kalen-Welsh - John), and Gregory (Kalen - Sirima; Kai). 

She graduated from the U of M’s Fine Arts program and used her talent to create and share in many ways: she taught puppetry at the Prairie Theatre Exchange, acted in many local theatrical and television productions, and her sculptures and Raku were showcased at several galleries in Winnipeg. She shared her creativity and imagination with her children and grandchildren, encouraging them and their friends to step outside their boundaries and let their imaginations fly!  She was patient, thoughtful and fun – the perfect neighbourhood mom. 

Gloria was boldly beautiful, from her unconventionally fashionable clothing to her playfully coloured nails and her avant-garde hairstyles.  Her living spaces were distinctive and chic, reflecting her somewhat eccentric (in a good way!) personality.  She loved to dance when the mood struck her, laugh as often as she could, and love deeper than anyone could imagine.

We are profoundly sad that she is gone, but she lived a remarkably long, exceptionally healthy, and extraordinarily comfortable life.  We will cherish the memory of her love forever.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at The Concordia Village, St. Boniface Hospital, and Concordia Hospital for their care and comfort.  A private family ceremony will be planned for a later date.  Flowers gratefully declined.  A longer memorial page is available at:  www.MaryaKalen.com