Gladys Joyce Coleman's Obituary
A longtime resident of Tacoma, WA passed away January 10, 2004 at St. Joseph Medical Center from complications after hip surgery. She was born March 31, 1921 the third child of five to John W. Boland and Beatrice E. Rock. Gladys married Cecil Coleman April 23, 1940. She spent the next 25 years raising 3 children, being a room mother at school, and was actively involved in the service organization "Cooties" where she, not only got her own children, but the neighbor children into tap dancing and entertaining all over Western Washington.In 1965 Gladys and Cecil divorced. She entered the work force first working in the kitchen at St. Joseph's and waitressing. She was one of the first women to work for Buffelen Door Factory, and one of six women to form the first line of women only assembling doors.Gladys loved music and dancing and was active in the Moose Lodge and VFW Club throughout her lifetime. In 1977 Gladys married Norm Grantham and moved to Cantwell, AK. She loved her time in Alaska; having many fun experiences. In 1980 Gladys and Norm divorced. Gladys returned to Tacoma to work for her son Jay as a clerk. Her sister Betty moved from Minnesota to Tacoma and then to Reno giving Gladys the opportunity to spend a lot of time in Reno. She loved family reunions with her family and her sibling's family in Reno.Gladys worked hard her entire life but also enjoyed life. She had an easy smile and was full of love her chilren, grandchildren, and friends.Gladys was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna and Betty, and two brothers, Vern and John. She is survived by three children: Jay (Trudy) Coleman of Lakewood, Judy Kelly of Lakewood, John (Debbie) Coleman of Oklahoma; grandchildren: Debby Sorenson, Portland, OR, Yvonne Gjonola, Las Vegas, Daniel Coleman, Tacoma, Melissa Kelly, Savannah, GA, Dean Cantrell, Tennessee, Gene Cantrell, Tacoma; five nieces, and three nephews.Gladys will be missed more than words can express.There will be a graveside service January 16, 2004 at 1:30pm at Mountain View Memorial Park (4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Tacoma, WA, 253-584-0252).
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