Greta Strom Gill (nee Beck)
Greta Strom Gill is survived by her son John Martin (Julie), her daughter Shannon Stahldorf (Peter), her granddaughters Madeline and Meredith, and her step-grandson Matthew.
Greta was born in Calgary, Alberta at the beginning of the Great Depression. She and her mother Maria were on their own, and this was a period that formed her incredibly strong will power and independence. Greta and her Mom lived in remote areas, and Greta had a long walk to school, through the forest, even at – 30 degrees. But this is where her great love of nature began. Greta also drove grain trucks at age 12, as most men were gone fighting World War II. Greta and her Mom moved to Burnaby, and she met Jack Martin, her high school sweetheart and husband of 25 years. Greta’s mother died of cancer when she was 19, and she was married soon after.
Jack became a physician, and Greta a teacher, and they moved to Invermere, BC, in the heart of the mountains. They had two children, John and Shannon. Greta specialized in teaching learning disabilities, and had a long teaching career in Invermere. Any time she was not working, or being a teacher, she could be found hiking in her beloved mountains, or skiing. At age 45, Greta moved to Calgary, and ultimately to Tsawwassen, BC in her late 60’s to be near her children and grandchildren, whom she loved to see. She taught Madeline and Meredith to read when they were a young age. In later life she met Bruce Owen, and his son David (Mary), and had a number of happy years together until he passed away.
In her final years, Greta resided in her condo until she just couldn’t manage anymore. In the past year she moved across the street to the Waterford Care Center, and ended up in the same room Jack once occupied until his death 5 years ago!
A thank you to Dr. James of the Waterford, and all the great nurses and care aides.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army (dear to Greta) would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered at www.deltafuneral.ca, Delta Funeral Home (604) 946-6040.
