Gladys Liska Smith (née Irmscher)
August 8, 1937 – March 25, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gladys Liska Smith, who left this world on March 25, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on August 8, 1937, to Augusta and Fred Irmscher, Gladys lived a life full of love, laughter, and joy, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and devotion to her family.
Gladys was a woman of many passions. Her love for gardening brought beauty to her home and nurtured her love for the earth. Whether she was tending to her vegetable garden or growing a beautiful variety of flowers, Gladys’s hands always knew how to make life bloom. She was especially proud of how big her vegetables could grow, growing large potatoes and pumpkins that weighed over 110 pounds. She also took great pleasure in fishing, solving puzzles, and spending time outdoors. One of her favorite pass times were canning—creating jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables from the fruits of her labor.
A lover of animals, especially dogs, Gladys was never without a loyal companion by her side. Her fondness for hummingbirds was well-known, and she delighted in the visit of a very special hummingbird that would come and tap on her window when it wanted some food.
Gladys enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including playing her favorite Lotto 649 tickets, always with two scratch-offs—Bingo and Crosswords—by her side. She worked primarily in janitorial positions but also spent time at a tree nursery, always with a strong work ethic and a cheerful disposition.
Gladys was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always present with a warm smile and an open heart. She is survived by her children Spencer, Kim (Edward Hatfield, John Hatfield, Crystal Premack and Tommy Premack-Hatfield), Donelda (Cleve Astles), Percy Irmscher, Harvey Irmscher (Coleen/Kim), and Norm Demchuk.
A Traditional Celebration of Life will take place at the Lutheran Church on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Michael Montague officiating. Burial will ensue at the Waldhof Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance Pet Network, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1
Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
