Gladys A. Olander, 81, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, surrounded by her loving family at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.
She was born in Sedro-Woolley on September 21, 1929, the daughter of John & Agda (Hanson) Bergquist. She was raised and attended school there and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School.
On May 6, 1950 Gladys was united in marriage to Henry (Hank) Olander in Mount Vernon, WA and for the first two years of their married life they lived in Tacoma, then for a short time in Everett and for the past 57 years together in the Hoogdahl community near Sedro-Woolley.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her family and when she wasn’t doting on them she enjoyed working word search puzzles, reading story magazines, going camping, her flower gardens, going dancing, chatting with friends on the phone, her dog Shadow and going to her weekly beauty shop appointment. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles Club in Sedro-Woolley.
Gladys is survived by her husband of 60 years, Hank at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. Her children and their spouses, Steve & Vickie Olander and Joni & Rick Eleazer all of Sedro-Woolley. Four grandchildren, Barney & Travis Olander, Nick Bechtel and Emily Eleazer. Her sister, Irene Pearson of Sitka, Alaska and a host of extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Brent Olander and her brother, Floyd Bergquist.
Hank and his family extend a heartfelt thank you to friends and family for their loving support over the past few months. A special thank you to our brothers and sisters-in-law for their extra special kindness during this difficult time; also to mom’s caregivers at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley and United General Hospital during her last days, a very heartfelt thank you.
Funeral services for Gladys will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Mark Collins of Christ the King Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Visitation will be available at and services under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Gladys and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
I’m sorry I cannot attend but would like to give to you three quotes that I have been keeping close in my heart
“Life began with waking up And loving my mothers face”. George Eliot
“The Heart of a mother is a DEEP abyss at the BOTTOM of which you will always find forgiveness” Honore de Balzac
“MOTHER : the most BEATIFUL word on the lips of mankind” Kahlil Gibran
May notthing but beautiful memories remain.
Debbie
Pa,Joni,Steve.
It is with such saddness that Im writing this,Gladys wasnt only my friend she was my second mom,She was always there for me if I needed to talk, Gladys will forever be apart of me,We have been friends since the early 70’s.I will love and miss her forever.I know she is now with Brent with whom she missed dearly,and she is at peace and that should comfort you all,she will always be with us,when the sun shines down I will know she is watching over us with her beatiful smile.I love and miss you mom,RIP until we meet again.love gloria
Uncle Hank, Steve and family, Joni and family,
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Aunt Gladys. My earliest memories of her was when I was about 4 or 5 and she was teaching me to color. I remember her showing Vicki and I how to hunt mushrooms and playing paper dolls with us. Her laughter and her joy will always be in my heart. Love and God’s blessings to you all, Rich and Karen
Hank ,Steveand family,Joni,and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all . Was great to spend time with Gladys at life care when my mother -in-law was there.. So sorry to have not gotten dad to visit. … Hold on to all your great times ,for they are ones to share…Love to you all…Betty
Steve & Joni
I am sorry for your loss, remember the “good times” and the laughter that you all have shared over the years. Gladys is a special lady. Hold onto and cherish your memories.
Joyce