Gloria Rose Bourassa of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the age of 99 years.
Gloria was born in Calgary and at a young age was an accomplished dancer, showcasing her art on Calgary’s entertainment scene that hosted Vaudeville, live music and dance events. All her dance costumes were handmade by her mother.
Gloria’s mother’s untimely death saw Gloria and her sister Lorine moved to the Dersch Ranch in Southern Alberta. It was there that Gloria learned to sit a horse, brand a calf and fire her rifle. She found her life long love there, a skinny prairie cowboy with a guitar and a song. His name was Leo Bourassa Jr.
Together they raised their four children and hundreds of sheep on a dryland farm south of Fort Macleod. Whether she was feeding a “bummer” lamb or going to a dance at the Community Hall, Gloria was always dressed in the best of women’s fashion.
Gloria witnessed a century of change. She always approached life with an optimistic, positive attitude. She was kind, made friends easily and loved her family dearly.
She is survived by her daughter Susan Frayn; sons Brian (Betty) Bourassa, Don (Margaret) Bourassa and Jamie (Susan) Bourassa, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by family members Lorine Doyle, Bert (Diane) Kniss, Bruce (Sharon) Kniss, Marilyn (Harry) Van Ryzewyk and Harvey (Roberta) Dersch.
Gloria was predeceased by her loving husband Leo; infant son Richard and son in law Rick Frayn.
The family express their sincere thanks for the friendships and support that Gloria received at the Pemmican Lodge as well as the kindness and care she received at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
At Gloria’s request the family will celebrate her life at a private event at a later date.