Went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 31, 2012, with her loving family by her side. Gaida was born in Riga, Latvia on January 1, 1928.

On November 18, 1951, she married the love of her life Alfreds Minka who survives.

Together, they raised four children and became active members in the Kalamazoo Latvian community. Gaida was an active member of the Latvian church, she volunteered with the Latvian Welfare Association, and she was also a member of the woman's choir.

Gaida loved her family and friends, and leaves them with many special memories. She also leaves to cherish her memory, four children,

• Imants Minka,
• Arnis Minka,
• Zaiga Thorson;
• Martin Minka;

seven grandchildren:

• Rita (Erik) Tonne,
• Alex and Eric Thorson,
• Alyssa and Nikolai Minka,
• Victoria and Andrejs Minka;

two great grandchildren, Charles and Henry Tonne; many great friends.

She was preceded in passing by her parents. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012, beginning at 1:00 PM, at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo, 122 Cherry Hill St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006, with Rev. Biruta Puike officiating.

Interment in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Latvian Church or to the , c/o the funeral home