Gladys Powers facts for kids

Gladys Stokes Luxford Powers (born May 10, 1899 – died August 15, 2008) was an amazing woman who lived to be 109 years old. She was a veteran of World War I, also known as the First World War. Gladys was one of the last people who served in that war.

She was also the very last World War I veteran living in Canada. Gladys Powers had a long and interesting life. She saw many changes in the world during her 109 years.

Gladys Powers: Early Life and War Service

Gladys was born in Lewisham, United Kingdom, in 1899. When she was a child, her family lived in different countries. She spent time in both Turkey and Australia.

In 1915, when she was only 16, Gladys decided to help with the war effort. She volunteered to work as a waitress in the barracks. This was for the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). The minimum age to join was 17, but Gladys still found a way to serve.

Later, she moved to a different branch of the military. She joined the Royal Air Force, specifically the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF). She served until 1920.

Meeting Her First Husband

While serving, Gladys visited her older brother, Cyril, in the hospital. He was recovering from a condition called shell shock from the war. There, she met Edward Luxford, a Canadian soldier.

Gladys and Edward fell in love and got married in 1920.

Life in Canada

After they married, Gladys and Edward moved to Calgary, Canada. This was in the same year, 1920.

In 1925, they went on an incredible journey. They walked almost 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles) to British Columbia. They followed the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks to get there.

Gladys lived in Abbotsford, British Columbia, from 1992 until she passed away in 2008. She was 109 years old.

A Local Legacy

In Abbotsford, there's a local story about Gladys and her brother. It is said that Cyril Street and Gladys Avenue are named after them. This is a nice way to remember their family.