Gladys Mary Oshier

Gladys Mary Oshier (Butler)

In the early hours of February 12th, Gladys passed peacefully in Ottawa in her 94th year. She was a devoted wife to the late Donald Oshier, a cherished Mother of Nancy (Barry Stanton), adored Grandmother of Kristin Honshorst (Josh Robert), and proud Great-grandmother of Noah and Rae Robert. She is fondly remembered by step-grandchildren Tara and Ashley Stanton.

Born and raised in Pembroke, Ontario, Gladys was the eldest of seven siblings (predeceased by brothers Harold Butler, Gordon Butler, Donald Butler and sister Dorothy Sinnett, and survived by dear sisters Sandra McLellan and Margaret Ristau). She and Don moved to Deep River in 1956. 

She was a true trailblazer for women in leadership. Professionally, Gladys was an accomplished banker having worked 30+ years for the Bank of Montreal in Deep River, becoming the first woman in Eastern Ontario to be named Assistant Manager. In 1971, Gladys served as the sole woman on the Hospital Advisory Committee to provide direction and recommendations on improving the local hospital’s service to the community. She went on to become a very active volunteer with numerous organizations including acting as President of the Deep River Curling Club and President of the Women’s Auxiliary for the Royal Canadian Legion, local branch. Being very involved in the church, she served as President of the Catholic Women’s League from 1967-1969 with this year being her 75th anniversary as a member. An avid reader, Gladys enjoyed volunteering for many years at the Deep River Public Library and delighted in being invited to join the Board at 80 years young. Her passion for books saw her extend this volunteering “internationally” at the Panama City Beach Library during the many winters she and Don spent in Florida.

While not at the library, Gladys participated on bowling and curling teams and with her famous “Golden Girls” foursome of Maisie, Rachel and Mabel at the Deep River Golf Club. They were a force to be reckoned with as they “toured” the tournaments up and down the Ottawa Valley for over 40 years! In addition to being a sport enthusiast, she had a passion for travel, sewing, cooking and entertaining.

A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Fatima, 153 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 a.m. with reception following in the Church Hall.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, April 29th 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Deep River with reception following in the Church Hall.

Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deep River & District Hospital Foundation or Deep River Public Library.