Gladys (G-mama) Cardinal

With a spirit too vast to be tethered and a heart that beat to the rhythm of her own drum, Gladys Janet Cardinal (G-mama) passed away on March 5, 2026, at the young age of 57 years, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as the fire in her soul.

A true free spirit, Gladys moved through life with an untamed energy and a fierce, internal flame. This passion found its greatest expression in her love for music and the traditional round dances she so cherished. Her commitment to her culture and her craft was matched by her intellect; she was a proud scholar who earned a graduate degree in Native Arts, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and modern mastery.

While she walked her path with independence, her heart belonged to her family. She was a fiercely proud sister and mother, boasting endlessly of her sons’ achievements. Her greatest joy, however, was found in her role as a grandmother, where her wild heart found its softest landing.

She will be forever remembered by her sons: Evan Cardinal, Shahanee Redman Cardinal, Wayne (Dakota) Cardinal, Kevin Cardinal; grandchildren: Eva Rose, Camille Janet, Ronan, Misty, Sage, Little Feather, Emma, Grace, Remington, Rory, Rolland, Orson, Avery, Morningstarr; 1st daughter-in-law: Charmaine Durocher; brothers: Herman Sr. (Leona) Cardinal, Dennis Cardinal, Gilbert (Rhoda) Cardinal; sister: Linda Potts-Cardinal; as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family & friends.

Gladys is going in to the arms of her parents: Thomas Cardinal & Rebecca Anderson; sisters: Bertha (Joe) Cardinal, Bertha Cardinal, Sophie Cardinal, Theresa Cardinal, Gloria Cardinal, Adeline Cardinal, Doreen Cardinal, Darlene Cardinal; brothers: Tommy Jr. Cardinal, Leonard Cardinal, Wayne Cardinal; grandparents: Catherine & Albert Cardinal; nephew: Kevin Cardinal, Francis Jr. Cardinal; niece: Crystal Cardinal, Carla Cardinal, Bertha Cardinal; great nephew: Draven Cardinal; godson: Leonard (Lenny D) Cardinal.

She will be going home to Beaver Lake Cree Nation on Monday, March 16, 2026, leaving Mission View Funeral Chapel, 133 Sentinel Drive, Lac La Biche, Alberta, at 10:00 a.m.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Beaver Lake Cree Nation Hall.

Pallbearers: Avery Cardinal, Chad Cardinal, Tyrell Cardinal, Jeremy Cardinal, Nathan Cardinal, Bryden Cardinal. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Herman Cardinal, Dennis Cardinal, Gilbert Cardinal, Linda Potts-Cardinal, Shelly Cardinal, Leeanne Cardinal, and all who loved Gladys.

The family reminds everyone attending, this will be sober wake and service. People not respecting the family’s wishes will be asked to leave.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys (G-mama) Cardinal, please visit our floral store.