Gloria SCHENKE

1934 - 2022

GLORIA SCHENKE December 14, 1934 - January 4, 2022 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Gloria Schenke (née Houston) at the Anna Laberge Hospital, in Chateauguay, Quebec, due to complications from Covid-19. Beloved wife of Horst Schenke for 63 years, devoted mother to Stephen (Lise), Krista, Michael (Adrienne), mother-in-law to Caroline and cherished Nana to Jenna (Callaghan), Mark and Lina. Born in Hornchurch, Essex, England, Gloria was the eldest daughter of Alec and Phyllis Houston. While her father was serving in the RAF as a Spitfire mechanic during the Battle of Britain, her early schooling was carried out in the London Tube shelters during the Blitz. Later in the war she was evacuated to Wales where she lived in the home of a school headmaster. The courage of the teachers she encountered during the war inspired a lifelong vocation in education. She became a devoted high school and elementary school teacher for more than 40 years instilling a passion for learning in her students. As an alumnus of Saint Angela's Ursuline School in Forest Gate, Essex and of Saint Mary's Teachers College in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, she taught high school in Dagenham, England and at Leroux High School in Lasalle after immigrating to Canada in 1957. It was in Montreal where Gloria met Horst at the Peter & Paul club, married in 1958 and started her family in 1959. Most of her teaching career was spent serving the English Catholic community at Saint Paul and Saint Willibrord elementary schools in Chateauguay. While teaching and raising 3 children, Gloria graduated cum laude from McGill University (BEd) in 1984. From 1962 until her passing, she was a faithful and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish serving numerous committees and initiatives. Gloria was dedicated to her family, but also built many enduring friendships. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and playing a good game of scrabble with her friends. Despite the distance, she remained close to her European family over the years. She will be missed by her sister, Lynne (Jane); nephew, Philip (Sarah); niece, Elaine and their families in England; as well as Horst's family in Westerwald, Germany; Alice, Eberhard, Christel, Heinz, Karin, niece, Katja and nephew, Oliver. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a livestreamed funeral service will be held on February 5th, 1 p.m., at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (https://mareksarosiek.com/live-stream-gloria-schenke/). Condolences and tributes can be made online at www.yveslegare.com. A memorial mass, graveside service and celebration of her life will be organized at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anna Laberge Hospital: www.fondationannalaberge.com. The family wishes to thank the ICU staff at Anna Laberge Hospital for their excellent care.