Gloria Elizabeth Doubleday (Griffiths)
November 29, 1931 - February 21, 2022
Tribute
Gloria Elizabeth Doubleday was born on Nov. 29th, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She died Feb.21st, 2022, peacefully at The Residence at Clayton Heights surrounded by family. She is survived by her son David, daughter-in-law Tanya and her two grandchildren, Matthew and Courtney. Gloria was one of Canada’s celebrated contralto singers who sang professionally in
concert halls and opera houses across North America, Great Britain and Europe from 1958-1979. She married her late husband, Derek John Doubleday on Oct. 23rd, 1954, a love affair that would last 49 wonderful years. She and Derek adopted a baby boy, David, in 1973 and their family was complete. After retiring from international performing in 1979, she focused her time
on her family, motherhood and the music scene here in Vancouver and the lower mainland. She continued singing locally as well as teaching piano and voice. She was a private voice instructor as well as a voice teacher at Trinity University. She was an organist and choir director for several churches. After the death of her late husband, Derek, she continued his legacy in the
Township of Langley and was involved with the Doubleday Arboretum, Rotary and several other organizations within the Langley community. She was a great proponent of the arts and donated several gifts to the Langley Community Music School. Gloria was a going concern in the Township of Langley. If you had anything to do with the Township, you knew Gloria, and she knew you! She was known and beloved by many people throughout the Langley community. She very much enjoyed being a grandmother and got great joy from the time spent with her Matthew and Courtney. She is remembered fondly by many for her glorious voice, her flashing smile, her striking white hair and her no-nonsense approach. She will be greatly missed. A service will be held later in March, TBD, to celebrate the life and times of Gloria Doubleday.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Sandra & Jim Bruce
Relation: Niece
Aunty Gloria “Thank-You” for the many years you were a part of our large family here in Canada and in the U.K. Also, “thank-you” for bringing David into our fold …. we always had room in our hearts for another wonderful cousin. Loved to hear you both sing together at family events ! You are greatly missed …. We send love & blessings to David, Tanya, Matthew & Courtney
From: Pinkerton Jean
Relation: David's mother in law
What a privilege it was to know Gloria. We shared our children’s lives, my daughter Tanya and son-in-law David along with our Grandchildren, Matthew and Courtney. Condolences to the above. I know Gloria had a trademark personality on each of your lives. Hold on to the good memories!
From: Barrie Doubleday
Relation: Nephew
Oh, Aunt Gloria, your life was a great run! Since those early years in the early 50’s, you were a lady who shone bright at every family do. Your path was undeniable, your future yet unwritten, but it was clear my Uncle John (or Derek to many of you) life was about to change! I think as a kid I thought, “oh boy” another aunt soon I will have more cousins to chase about. As I grew I understood you better, respected your path and allowed your fine manners to touch me a little. Through the decades you became part of the fabric that makes family. When it was my turn to introduce you to my wife, you treated her with grace & dignity. She & I never forgot that, in those moments you forged a bond. Ellen always thought well of you and would always be pleased if we were to once again, see you. My heart breaks to have lost you the same week as my wife and it is fitting you both are on the journey through the stars. To my cousin David, Tanya, Matt and Courtney…my deepest condolences. It is now up to us “Cousins” to bond together under the family name and to help each other in times of joy and need. Be well and be loved.
From: Helen Lester
Relation: Member of the Willoughby Community Women's Institute.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Gloria. She was an avid member of our Willoughby Community Women’s Institute. We were waiting to hear the date of the Celebration of life so we could attend. I am sorry we did not know the date. Our condolences.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
March 26, 2022
Beginning at 12:00pm
Location:
CoWorks
20627 Fraser Highway
Langley, BC Canada
Currently, proof of vaccination and masks
will be required for entry.
RSVP to d-day@shaw.ca
20627 Fraser Highway
Langley, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Gloria Doubleday
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
