I was privileged to meet Gladys when I was interviewing applicants for a position in the Superintendent's Office. Dr. Robert Peterson was Superintendent at the time.

After convincing Gladys that I was sure she could handle the position, she accepted.

That was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship. Needless to say, the Superintendent thought she was very special, and I knew I made the right decision.

One of the outstanding attributes Gladys had was no matter what the job was, whether cutting out newspaper articles for the Superintendent, or working on a special project, she did an outstanding job. 

She was a delight to work with, and I was so lucky to know her.

 

Shortly after Gladys and I passed our 49th year together, I learned from Steven that he and his brothers wanted to do something special for us on the 50th. After sorting through several ideas, Gladys told me she preferred having an adult-only family dinner including her siblings at a nice restaurant. She also thought it would be nice if on the next day there could be a picnic where grandchildren, nephews, nieces and some old friends from the area would be welcome. Everyone involved agreed and it was decided to have the events in the Chicago area where many of the families lived. So Steve and Louise took charge of the arrangements. The Sunday picnic was easily scheduled for a small park near their home. What Gladys didn’t know was that invitations to the dinner also were going out to all the living non-family members of our wedding party because I knew that the surprise element would enhance her enjoyment of the evening. Each invitee was requested to keep the invitation a secret and all complied. There was no leak! Gladys knew that one bridesmaid had been a victim of cancer and at that time believed that her matron-of -honor, Lucille, had passed a couple of years earlier. When we walked into the private room, one could see the surprise on her face when she saw some of her old friends (see picture) and then saw Lucille approaching for their emotional reunion. (Click on the picture) That surprise set the tone for a memorable evening for every one present. The memory of the evening she treasured for the rest of her life. The next day we were blessed by perfect weather for what evolved into a family reunion.