Gladys Ann Bugera
Obituary
Suddenly, on August 26, 2025, at home surrounded by family, Gladys Ann Bugera, at 72, went to meet her Savior.
She was predeceased by her father Walter Skryba, sister Lorraine Skryba Sawatsky, father-in-law Peter Bugera, her grandparents Alex and Maria Andrusiak, and Stanley and Anna Skryba.
She is survived by the love of her life Ronnie Pete Bugera, her daughter Teri-Lyn Augustowich, grandchildren she adored Logan (Mary Jean), Alexis (Hunter), and Jackson. She is also survived by her mother Lena Skryba, sister Joanie Skryba, mother-in-law Alice Bugera, sister-in-law Sharon Cavanaugh, brother-in-law Allan Bugera, two nieces and one nephew. She will be missed by her dog Missy, who was her constant companion for 12 years. Gladys had an undying regard for rescue dogs like Missy. Many were taken in by her and Ron.
Ron met Gladys as she was walking home from her job as a secretary at the Shevchenko school in Vita. It was 35 below. Their first date was February 13, 1972. They were married in Sundown, Manitoba on October 7, 1972. They made their home in Steinbach where they both worked. Ron got employed by Gambles in Winnipeg and was transferred to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Gladys worked at Woolco. The Moose Jaw flood of ’74 drove them back to Winnipeg when their home was flooded. Gladys then went to work at a Manitoba government sales tax division.
In 1975, their precious bundle Teri-Lyn was born. Together the family bought and moved their home to Ile-des-Chenes.
Not long after, Gladys and Ron moved into property management. Initially, Gladys was a property manager and Ron worked doing landscape maintenance. Shortly after working at Crystal Properties, Ron took a position of property management and, as per usual, Gladys worked alongside him as the administrative leasing agent.
In 1988, Ron succeeded in getting a position of general manager of Churchill Public Housing. Gladys was the school secretary. She really enjoyed working with and for the youngest members of this community. Unfortunately, she had to quit her job because of the abuse she witnessed with the indigenous population within the system.
In 1990, they moved to Dauphin for Manitoba Housing. This is where Gladys got her wish of being a stay-at-home mom. She and Ron became Mom and Dad to a never-ending stream of Teri’s friends. Gladys fed everyone who walked through the door, even complete strangers that Ron brought home.
Ron and Gladys moved from Winnipeg to Pauingassi. It was well known that Ron & Gladys loved the outdoors, especially time on the lake fishing. That was the beginning of their journey to the isolated North, which would be one of many.
Their next northern adventures led them to Little Grand Rapids, Churchill, Oxford House twice where the children taught Gladys Cree. Gladys always had an affinity for children, especially indigenous children, given some similar experiences.
The farthest they traveled north was to Iqaluit on Baffin Island. They spent a year there. Ron was the produce manager and Gladys was head cashier for Northern Stores. This was definitely an experience that cannot compare to any of the places they’ve ever lived.
In 1998, Ron accepted a position at Wayne’s Fine Foods (Super A’s) in Gimli. That’s when Gladys started her career at MLCC. She worked at the local store for approximately a year. Shortly after their move to Gimli, Glady was offered a position as store manager for MLCC in Churchill. For once, Ron followed Gladys. This position was her crowning glory. It was a small enough store for her to manage. She adored being able to make it a little part of her by interacting with the community and giving others opportunities. Ron, in the meantime, started a pickup and delivery service and bought Churchill Taxi and worked for Skyward Airlines to keep him busy. A few years later, Ron was hurt at the Churchill airport. The unfortunate and difficult decision had to be made; they moved to familiar ground for retirement in Sandilands.
Although Gladys had many health challenges, she was dedicated to her flowers in the summer and her adult coloring in her favorite chair on the cloudy and cold days. She soldiered on like a true pioneer right to her last breath.
Family was important to Gladys. She simply adored her grandchildren and would do anything for them, from making crepes to having freezies in the freezer for Jackson. She often told Ron, “Tell Teri and Logan, Alexis and Jackson I love them with all my heart. I don’t always show it, but tell them so that they know they are loved unconditionally. ”
As for Ron, she loved him from that very first encounter, which led to a few books of adventure. She touched many lives, always in her own way. We all knew her love was unconditional; for that we all should feel blessed for having her in our lives. The hole that is left in each of our hearts can never be re-filled in our lifetime. Perhaps someday her faith in God and the hereafter will bring us together again. Until then, we will carry on in her memory and love.
A special thank you to our daughter Teri-Lyn, Nikki Lake, the four EMTs who attended to Gladys, Constable Bunn, and Crossings Funeral Care, who are caring for arrangements.
The family cannot express enough gratitude and love for Angela Johnson who supported them and continues to help support them in our time of need. Angela has committed to a supportive and extended stay because of the solitude and beauty of where Gladys spent her last days.
The family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to the many families, friends, neighbors and people who Gladys touched with her kindness, warmth and, if you were lucky, a freshly baked pie.
Thank you to Dr. Edi, her homecare team, as well as Tracy Sawatsky and Jerry Wynchuk, who were there for her and Ron during her illness. Their kindness and care will be fondly remembered by the Bugera family.
