Gladys Melvina Haggar's Obituary
GLADYS OLSON HAGGAR
Mar. 12, 1915 - Sept. 11, 2009
Gladys was born in the tiny prairie town of Claremont, SD on March 12, 1915. She was the middle child of 7 children born to Swedish immigrants, Charles and Selma Olson. She grew up attending school in Claremont, working in her father's drug store, and playing on a girls' basketball team before going on to South Dakota State College, where she obtained a degree in Home Economics. It was while in college that Gladys met her future husband, pharmacist, Tom Haggar. A cousin who introduced them relates that upon seeing Gladys's beauty, Tom was struck speechless for the first time in his life. Gladys and Tom were married at Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown, SD on August 16, 1938. They went on to raise their four children in Watertown. For a brief period during World War II, they made their home in Sioux Falls before returning to Watertown. In the spring of 1949, the Haggars had a cottage built on Eagle Lake in Minnesota. From then on, until the present day, their family and many friends have spent summer days at the cottage. Eagle Lake held a special place in Gladys's heart. It was there that she enjoyed fishing with Tom and sharing her appreciation and love of nature with her children and grandchildren. As Gladys and Tom's family grew, she worked tirelessly, putting her skills as a homemaker to good use. Family dinners very often included friends and extended family, who were fortunate to enjoy her welcoming home and the wonderful meals she prepared. She was skilled in preparing the Syrian dishes of Tom's family. While her children grew, Gladys remained active in the choir and the guild of Watertown's Episcopal church. It was in the fall of 1968 that Gladys and Tom moved to Lakewood where they lived for the remainder of their lives. During that time, they continued to summer at Eagle Lake, travel and pursue many interests. Gladys enjoyed a variety of hobbies, and she wasted none of her days. She was an avid sports fan. Photographing her grandchildren brought her much happiness. One could always count on her to recommend a good book. She had a generous spirit and especially enjoyed gift-giving. Until the end of her life, Gladys painted, wrote poetry, and participated in a bell choir. Her quick wit and sense of humor were legendary. At the time of Tom's passing in the fall of 1994, he and Gladys had celebrated 56 years of marriage. She lived most of the remainder of her life in their Lakewood home enjoying wonderful neighbors and for the past few years in Bridgeport Place Assisted Living, where she made many new friends among residents and staff. During those years, her cherished cats, Tasha and Cossette, brought her much joy. Gladys is survived by her two daughters and two sons: Judy Kay Hanson (Maurice) of Lakewood; Sheila Williams (Barry) of Asheville, NC; Dr. Tom Haggar (Priscilla) of Bainbridge Island; and Greg Haggar (Maxine) of Sioux Falls, SD. Her eight grandchildren survive her, as well. They are: Tom Brock, Paul Brock, Erin Hanson Smith (Tyson), Gabriel Hanson (Susan), Jessica Dunn (David), Tom Haggar, Katie Haggar Andressen (Cody) and David Haggar. Numerous nieces and nephews survive her as well. Gladys adored babies; and in recent months, she was thrilled to hold her first great grandchild, Annika Dunn, in her arms. In countless ways, Gladys demonstrated boundless caring for her family and friends. She loved. She laughed. And she loved to laugh. It is fitting that on the final day of her life, she smiled. She would want us to do that now as we remember her. It was Gladys's desire to have her final resting place be near Eagle Lake, and her family will gather there for a memorial celebration of her life.
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
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Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
How did Gladys make you smile?