Obituary of Gloria Jean Renkas

RENKAS - Mrs. Gloria Renkas of Ituna, beloved wife of the late Mervin Renkas passed away suddenly on October 12, 2018 at her home. Gloria Jean Kozey was born October 19th 1945 to Metro and Jean Kozey in Hamilton Ontario. At an early age she moved west with her mother and father and younger brother David Kozey to settle near the town of Balcarres Saskatchewan where Gloria would spend the rest of her childhood on the family farm and attending the Deiter Lake one room school. As an inquisitive child, the one room school house would provide challenges and opportunities for Gloria as well as with her teachers. Gloria commented many times that she would get bored with her studies and often get involved in the discussions of higher grades which would often distract the students and teachers with their studies. Gloria mentioned many times that her teacher, Mrs. Robertson became frustrated with Gloria and gave her the task of learning the alphabet backwards, the next day she came to school and recited it to the amazement of her teacher, she was still able to do this, and this entertained her grandchildren for many years. Gloria would grow up and attended a local dance on a summer evening in 1962 where she met the love of her life, Mervin Renkas. The two would go on to be married on Gloria's birthday, October 19th, 1963. Mom and dad lived in Saskatchewan for a short time until after the birth of their first child, Catherine Renkas until they would move to Calgary where I (Chuck) was born. I have many very fond memories being raised in a very loving family, and mom was the glue that held all together. From spending countless sleepless nights with sick kids, mending torn pants and skinned knees, to surviving two teenagers and dad's addiction and later recovery from alcoholism, she was always there. Mom was the rudder for our family, she kept us sane, listened to our struggles and all the while keeping a level head and had the ability to calm the storms of life. Mom was an entertainer, she loved to cook, try new things, meet new people and had a knack for decorating as is evident in her house today. Mom was never afraid of reaching out to someone new in a mall or public place to ask an opinion, or share one for that matter, much to the dismay of her daughter Cate. Mom also had very strong opinions on what she believed was right, either politically or socially, she was never afraid to share her thoughts, and she was a huge history buff. If you were going to take on mom in a political or history argument, you best be armed to the teeth because she knew her stuff. She did a lot with a little, and she was always ready to lend a hand to pitch in where help was needed. Mom also loved to sing and that was evident in her involvement with the many church choirs she was involved in throughout her life, simply stated, she loved to share her gifts. She loved being part of any church she was involved with and I know she will be missed greatly by the congregation at St. Stanislaus. Mom touched many lives and many people's hearts, and those hearts are breaking with the loss of such a beautiful spirit here on earth, but none feel more broken than mine and that of my wife Sara and our children Christian, Alexander, Daniel and Erin. There is an emptiness felt with her passing that only time and good memories will fill. We will miss you mom, granny, and you will never be forgotten. Gloria was predeceased by her mother and father Jean and Metro Kozey and brother David Kozey as well as her infant son Buckley, daughter Cate Mansfield and her husband of 55 years Mervin Renkas. She is survived by her son Charles (Chuck) Renkas and his wife Sara, and grandchildren Christian, Alexander, Daniel and Erin Renkas and son in law Greg Mansfield. The Funeral Mass was held on Monday, November 5, 2018 at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Ituna with Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa, OMI as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Ron Renkas. The organist, Paulette van der Helm led the choir in the singing of the hymns, "Here I am Lord", "Psalm 23", "Be Not Afraid" and "Sing a New Song". The communion hymn, "How Great Thou Art" was sung by Carla Taylor-Brown. The readers were Staffa Renkas and Helen Hilliar. Prayers of the Faithful were offered by Leona Milo. Serving as gift bearers were Christian Renkas, Alexander Renkas, Daniel Renkas and Erin Renkas. A tribute was shared by Ron Kaczmar. A private interment for Mervin and Gloria took place in Ituna R.C. Cemetery. Memorials honouring Gloria's life may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home Service Information Monday, November 5th, 2018 10:30am, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Ituna R.C. Cemetery