Glenda Gingras Obituary

"Glenda Faye Gingras (Schaffer) (Abbott) died peacefully at home in Oregon City, Oregon, on April 21, 2023, from Congestive Heart Failure. She was born May 31, 1934, in MT. Auburn, Iowa to Glen and Amanda Abbott. She was the oldest of seven children; Sherman, Joan, Steve(deceased), Michael, Mary, and William. She grew up in Vinton, Iowa and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. In 1995 she graduated from Harbor College with an AA degree in journalism. She married Robert Schaffer(deceased) in 1951. They had six children; Cathy Jo(deceased), Judy, Kitty, Robert(deceased), Russell, and Lu. Glenda is survived by grandchildren: Arrow (Katie), Dejha, Robert, Ely, Jeffery, and Leslee: great-grandchildren: Dahlia, Caitlyn, Addison, Madisen, Alana, and Frankie. The family lived on acreage outside of Des Moines, Iowa until 1961 when they moved to Torrance, California. She lived in the South Bay area until 1999 when she moved to Wheaton, Illinois. She loved taking the train to Chicago and being closer to her sister Joan and her family. Glenda had a strong belief in work and spirituality. She worked as a waitress for many years, including being one of the first women to work with waiters doing tray service in finer restaurants. She eventually went into restaurant management. The highlight of her working career was after her retirement as an administrative secretary she became as archivist for the Theosophical society. She continued in that position until she was 75. This job combined service and work to her love of studying spirituality. She was always reading and studying different religions and spiritual paths. Glenda loved to travel, read, play games, attend theater and socialize. She loved doing Patsy Cline look-alike contests and anything with the Wizard of Oz. On her 80th birthday she had a big party at Tony Starlight\u0027s Club. She danced and sang and loved every minute. In 2008 she moved to Oregon City, Oregon. She found a like-minded community at the Self Realization Fellowship and held several volunteer positions there until Covid and heart disease limited her participation. Her Celebration of Life will be conducted at the Self Realization Fellowship temple on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 11-2. this would have been her 89th birthday. All that loved her or enjoyed her wit, direct manner, and compassion are welcome. Self-Realization Fellowship 356 NE 80th, Portland, Oregon"