Minnie Gladys Crane
November 3, 1934 to January 6, 2025
Obituary
For those unable to attend the service, click HERE to view the livestream.
We are sad to announce the passing of Minnie Gladys Crane (née Pike) at the age of 90 at Glenbrook Lodge in St. John’s. She was predeceased by her husband George Crane (d. 1999) and brother Theodore Pike (d. 2014).
Gladys Crane is survived by her devoted, loving daughter Joan Crane (David Chafe), sister Joan Coffin (Ross Coffin), niece Nicole Coffin, nephew Lyndon Pike (Amanda Pike) and numerous extended family and friends.
Born and raised in Harbour Grace, Gladys and George married and settled down to a happy life on Freshwater Road in St. John’s. She was extraordinarily dedicated to giving generously of her time and resources throughout her life, especially to her family and most especially to her daughter Joan. In addition to her commitment to her family, Gladys was a woman of faith and volunteered many years as church secretary for St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, simply happy to serve her church with impeccably detailed bulletins and reports, selling tickets to fundraisers, and taking countless phone calls at home from parishioners.
Gladys Crane lived her life very gently and with tremendous integrity, honesty, abundant kindness, and a great sense of humour. As quiet as she would be in a gathering of family or friends, she absolutely loved being with people, just taking it all in and appreciating life’s simple joys. Over the past several years, dementia would cloud most of her memories, and in her final days a stroke would take away her voice, but her love for her daughter remained undiminished and was even strengthened, and her demeanour unchanged from the Gladys Crane everyone knew and loved over her long life. To the end, she remained a sweet, gentle lady, steadfast in her faith, never complaining, and holding fast to her daughter Joan, always remembering her name and thriving on every moment with her, even when just sitting silently together, chatting, or watching the news. Gladys and George Crane gave everything of themselves to ensure that Joan was set on the best possible life path. They may rest easy knowing that Joan carries forward her parents’ strongest qualities of love and generosity every single day. Gladys Crane was a blessing to know, enjoyed a marvellous life, and we will always treasure our memories of her.
We are profoundly grateful to the staff of Glenbrook Lodge who took such wonderful care of her for the past five-and-a-half years. We are also thankful to Major Glenda Barrow, Reverend Bill Mercer, and Reverend David Pilling for their prayers and friendship, and to our many other family and friends for their heartfelt compassion.
Gladys Crane’s well-lived life will be honoured in a service of thanksgiving to be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, just a couple of doors away from where she, George and Joan lived many joyous years together. Visitors will be gratefully received on Friday, January 10th from 4:00 to 7:00pm.
The service will take place Saturday, January 11th at 11:00am. at the Carnell Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Rd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wesley United Church, the Alzheimer Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, or a charity of your choice.
Schedule
Visitations
4pm-7pm on January 10, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Saturday January 11th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Inurnment to be followed after the 11:00 a.m. funeral service.
Burial
12:00pm, Saturday January 11th
Kenmount Road Anglican Cemetery
After funeral service takes place.
Located on Kenmount Road, St. John's .
Dear Joan and David,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your cherished mother. I know that your relationship with her was a precious one. Keeping you close in thought.
Sincerely,
Pam Snow
Joan,
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Joan,
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your Mom. I have such fond memories of after school and choir practices. Your Mom always had treats for us. She made the best chocolate chip cookies and was so kind to me. My thoughts are with you and Dave.
Dr Crane, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom,. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dave.
Joan and David,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know there will be a void in your day and life, but I’m sure you will always cherish the precious moments you have.
I had the pleasure of getting to know your mom when I’d go visit my mom, Mary King, I’d always ask her how she was feeling, she always had same response with a smile “ fine”
Condolences also to your aunt and uncle who I had great chats with especially when you and David were away, they would take your mom to activities especially bingo.
When David would play at Glenbrook Lodge Gladys always had a big smile and was so proud.
I know the next few days will be hard but your mom is out of her suffering and now getting the reward she deserves !
Hugs to you both at this difficult time .
Joan and Dave,
Our condolences to you during this difficult time. Your mother’s love was indeed a blessing. Her death will not end your relationship; you will feel her presence when you think of her or speak her name.
Joan, Ross and Nicole,
Our thoughts and love are with you. We know you deeply loved your sister/aunt and have provided much care and support to her and Joan, especially over these last few years. May your memories and the kind words and gestures shared by others, provide you comfort now, and in the days and months ahead.
Love, Mike and Roxanne
Joan and family: So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her fondly. Whenever, I would take my mom, Flo Ash, to St. John’s, we would always be sure to run into her at the Avalon Mall, usually the food court. They would have a wonderful, long chat and catch up on old times. She was such a nice person. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
To all who have been affected by Gladys’s passing. My thoughts are with you all at this time of loss. Joan, may your Mother rest in God’s eternal peace and rise in glory. Take care, treasure the memories and know your Mom’s kindness surpassed all expectations. She truly was a lovely person to family and friends, alike. Much love to all. Derrick
Joan and Dave,
My sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. I know you were both close to her and will deeply feel her absence in your day to day lives. Joan, I hope you will take some comfort in knowing what an incredible daughter and support you have been to your mother, taking time to visit with her every day no matter how busy you were. I’m confident your many happy memories with her will carry you through these difficult days. Take care, Margie
Joan & Dave,
We are so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and love are with you at this difficult time..
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of your Mom that go back a long time.. May your memories give you much peace. Thinking about you. I know how hard it is to lose your Mom.
Joan,
As soon as I saw your mother’s photo, I knew it was the same sweet Gladys I worked with at the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union. She hadn’t changed a bit!!
I have such wonderful and fond memories of Gladys❤️
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother🌺
Sharon (Tucker) Yetman
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and Dave at this time. May you continue to keep fond memories of her.
Nick Kum
We grew up on Freshwater Road years ago also and I have fond memories of your mom passing our house as she walked to the Avalon Mall. Always had a smile on her face. Sorry for your loss what a wonderful age.
Joan & Dave,
Sending warmest condolences and sympathy to you both on the loss of your dear mom, Joan, and your mother-in-law, Dave. I know how close you were to her and how supportive and love she must have felt all her life. I feel blessed to have met and shared a little time with Gladys while she was a resident of Glenbrook Lodge. She was always so pleasant with a smile that lit up the room, and I always enjoyed our visits. Thinking of the Crane & Pike families as well, and sending condolences to all who knew and loved her. I was so happy to hear that Gladys died peacefully, a true blessing. Cherish the beautiful memories you made together, and take comfort in knowing that she is now at rest after living a wonderful life. God bless you all!
Dr. Crane,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing..
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra W.
Joan and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear Mom. I well remember your Mom from St. Augustine’s church. Your Dad, too. May memories and your dedication to her give you some peace in the days and months ahead.
Beverley Rowe Karagianis