AITKEN, Gladys

We celebrate the extraordinary life of our mother, Gladys Aitken, who witnessed the world transform over ninety-eight remarkable years. Gladys passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026. The true heart of our family, she was a constant, vibrant presence who shared her warmth, wisdom, and trademark “spunk and grit” across three generations. Gladys was the beloved wife of the late Mac Aitken (2010) for 61 wonderful years. She was predeceased by her eldest son, Rodney (2015), and her siblings Mary Cavers, Elwood Mitchell, and Frances Fotheringham. Her spirit lives on through her children, Victor (Mary Ellen) Aitken and Trina (John) Moore, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Aitken. She is survived by her brother, George Mitchell, and her dear friends, Murray and Liz Johnston. Gladys was the proud matriarch of a large, devoted family:
• Rodney’s Family: Travis (Nikki) and children Nina and Rayland; and Neil.
• Victor’s Family: Nicholas (Evelyn) and children Madison (Dane), Quentin, Gavin, and Natalie; Christopher; and Kory (Katja) and children Rhett and Nala.
• Trina’s Family: Karly (Nicholas Geldart) and children Saretta and Oliver; Taylor (Kyle Kaminski) and children Carter and Callahan; Whitney (Jonathan Royal) and children Mallory and Bridget; and Alana (Matthew Picariello) and daughter Sienna. Born at home on the 14th Concession of Maryborough to Allan and Jean Mitchell, Gladys was the fourth of five children. After completing her high school studies, she moved to Fergus to begin her career. It was there that she met her future husband, Mac. In her early days in Fergus, Gladys worked at many of the now bygone businesses of Fergus…Fergus Restaurant, Tweddle’s Chick Hatchery, Beattie Bros, Sears Order Office and Brett Motors, mostly in a bookkeeper capacity. In 1968, she and Mac purchased Fergus Decorating Centre, which they proudly operated as a family business alongside their sons for many years. Gladys’ door was always open, and all were welcome, she had a gift for making delicious meals look effortless. A voracious reader—Mac often joked she had read every book in the Fergus Library—she also found joy in her flowers and her many knitting and crochet projects. To many of her younger grandchildren, she will forever be remembered affectionately as “Cookie Grandma.” Family and friends are invited to gather at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home (280 St. David Street South, Fergus) on Thursday March 26. Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 12:30pm, followed by a celebration of Gladys’ life in the chapel at 12:30pm. Afterward, please join us upstairs in the Wellington Room to share refreshments and memories; elevator access is available for all guests. Gladys will be laid to rest during a private family service at Belsyde Cemetery. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Strathcona Long-term Care for their compassionate care. In honour of Gladys’ love of books, donations to the Wellington County Library - Fergus Branch, would be appreciated or alternatively Aboyne Rural Hospice or the charity of your choice. Gladys leaves us with 98 years of memories and a lasting reminder that there is always room at the table for one more. For Gladys’ memorial page and to leave online condolences, please visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com.