Gladys Ethel (Higginbottom) Lund passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 5, 2026, at the age of 98.

Gladys was born on July 4, 1927 in Elnora, Alberta, to parents Mildred and Louis Higginbottom. She grew up on the family farm North East of Elnora and attended the one room Cornwall Valley School. In 1948 she moved to Calgary where she obtained her hairdressing license. In 1950, Gladys relocated to Red Deer and opened her own beauty salon. She remained a self-employed hair stylist until her retirement in the 1980’s. Even after her retirement, she always revelled in the opportunity to cut her son’s or grandchildren’s hair.

Gladys stayed active after retirement by donating her time to the Red Deer Regional Hospital, the Royal Canadian Legion, and many other organizations. She was deeply honoured to be recognized by the City of Red Deer for her extensive volunteer work and dedicated contributions to the community.

Throughout her life, it was evident that Gladys’ spirit never left the family farm. She loved taking drives out to the country, beaming with pride while sharing memories of her childhood. Growing up on the farm instilled in her exceptional work habits and a lifelong love of animals. She couldn’t contain her joy anytime someone brought a dog to visit, and she continued riding horses well into her 70s.

Gladys will always be remembered for her kindness to everyone she met.  She had a vibrant joy for life, keen wit, and sly sense of humour. Her sense of humour was often self directed and she wasn’t above doing things like popping her dentures out to elicit both fright and laughter from her young granddaughter.

On August 2, 1952, Gladys married Raymond “Ray” Lund at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. They remained happily married for 69 years until his passing in October of 2021.  They were blessed with two sons, D’Arcy and Gary.

Gladys is survived by D’Arcy; Gary (Janet) and their children Eric, Caitlin (Matthew Jordan), Ashley (Jeff Heck), and Samantha (Dave Aebersold); and numerous loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Louis and Mildred; husband Ray, and his siblings; her siblings, Fred and Hilda; and several nieces and nephews.

Gladys’ family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Villa Marie for their exceptional care over the past years. Thanks to Missy, Wendy and others who ensured “Grandma” always felt loved.

A service for Gladys will be held at 1 o’clock on June 27, 2026 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church (4929 54 Street, Red Deer, Alberta).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gladys’s name to the Red Deer Regional Hospital Foundation or to a local animal rescue organization of your choice. Condolences to Gladys’ family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Gladys Lund” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944