Gloria Marian Baldwin-Schultz
Gloria Marian Baldwin-Schultz passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, in Whitehorse, Yukon. Her final days were filled with family, friends, music, and laughter.
Gloria was born in Karachi, Pakistan, arriving in Canada with her family as a young girl. She was a beloved sister to her siblings Ian, Kevin, and Glynis, and the pride of her parents Ray and Clarissa. She spent her formative years in Quebec before moving to Alberta in her early 20s, where her children Stephanie and Nathan were born.
Gloria faced every challenge head-on. As a single mother, she relied on friends, family, and determination while she pursued her university education. She often worked multiple jobs at once while studying late into the night. She was determined to set her children up for success, and she was called to help others. She earned a BA in Pastoral Studies and an MA in Marriage & Family Counseling at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, dedicating her professional life to helping others thrive.
For most of her career, she provided counseling in remote communities in YT, NWT, and NU, predominantly supporting residential school survivors and their immediate families. She believed everyone deserved kindness and the opportunity to grow and heal, and she was a staunch advocate for social justice.
Gloria’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life. Whether she was serving food at a soup kitchen, hustling for local fundraisers, volunteering with the Elizabeth Fry Society, or sitting as a member of the Yukon Human Rights Commission, Gloria regularly gave back to her community.
Gloria loved to cook and to travel. She loved to sing and to nurture the people around her.
She never met a stranger, either. Anyone and everyone was welcome in her home, and she would make lasting friendships with ease wherever she went. Her role as Nana to her granddaughters filled her with joy. She loved them fiercely and took every opportunity to teach them and play with them.
The world is less radiant without her in it.
Gloria is survived by her children, Stephanie Ostermann and Nathan (Amanda) Schultz; her grandchildren, Lucy and Holland Ostermann; her siblings, Ian, Kevin, and Glynis Baldwin; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who supported Gloria after her early-onset dementia diagnosis. It takes a community to support people in need, and it warms our hearts that so many people were a part of her community. We similarly wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at Whistlebend Place, and especially those of House 6, for the years of care and respect they showed Gloria in the final chapter of her life.
A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Whitehorse, YT, followed by a memorial reception at 3 pm at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Gloria loved bright colors, so we welcome attendees to wear them.
For family and friends in Ontario, a Celebration of Life will be held in mid-2027.
Memorial donations may be made to the Food Bank Society of the Yukon, Big Cedar Music, or to the food bank in your local area.
