Growing up, Gladys was my favorite among my mother's (Grace Gutman) friends.  I enjoyed spending time with her, usually cooking in her Westfield home.  I remember sharing a beach house on Long Beach Island one summer.  And one of  my fondest memories was staying with Gladys and Hunter with my husband and kids over a New Year's Eve (92 or 93?) in Laguna Niguel.  Sending love to the family on behalf of the Gutmans.  Hank and Family, and Beth and Family.  (Dad-Bill just passed away yesterday, and Ruth in November.) 

Sometime after the year 2010, My husband and I were given Gladys’ phone number as a referral from a contractor. We called  and she invited us to come over! Gladys showed us around and asked us lots of questions about ourselves.  We liked her a lot and afterward, Michael and I asked each other “Do you think she’s Jewish?” “I think she’s Jewish!”  “She’s from Philadelphia . . .” “But her name is Wilson?” 
Sometime later, I attended an event at the home of a member of our temple and there was Gladys! I was so happy to see her. We kept in touch after that. When I retired, she invited me to join her ladies’ “lunch bunch”. When she stopped driving, I drove us to the luncheons and we spent the drives sharing stories. She knew the life stories of all her friends and family. She always kept up with the news and was always reading a book and taking classes like her classic movie discussion group or Tai Chi via Zoom. She’d start a conversation with the phrase: “Now this is interesting . . . .” And it was.
Gladys always dressed stylishly, was game to try new things, meet new people, interview them to find out everything, pose for photos and go to new places. Once, at a one-woman play, we had an opportunity to speak with the actress.  Gladys was frustrated because the actress would only answer questions “in character”!  
Gladys used a smart phone, i-Pad and a desk-top computer into her ‘90’s.  She had many friends. It was easy to spend time with her. She didn’t complain as much as she was entitled (her poor knee!) and she wouldn't take offense at petty, or even not-so-petty, things. 
She lived with an unobstructed view of the ocean just as she wanted. In her final months, one of our congregation’s Rabbis would visit each week. Rabbi Steinberg, Rabbi DePaolo, or Rabbi Zive would sing her songs or share in a reminiscence or a prayer. Gladys was my very dear friend. I will miss her. Lori Reznick

My favorite memory of Gladys is when we were at lunch and she announces that "I have met someone". She had a twinkle in her eye and then she says "Don't worry.  He is age appropriate". We all shared in her happiness. That was when we first knew about Larry.  They had such wonderful times together! Miss you so much Gladys!


Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet
 May her memory be for a blessing. 
Those we hold closest never leave us. They live on in the kindness they've shared and the love they brought into our lives.

I met Gladys 16 years ago when I moved to CA from NJ.  Her husband Hunter had done business with my dad, Sandy  Kaye, so it was an instant connection when we got together.  Over the years I would drive from San Diego to meet for lunch and when Larry entered the picture it was the three of us.  COVID stopped me from coming to visit but when I called her over the summer I could tell that something was different.  I love Gladys.  She was one tough cookie, always doing, staying vital and relevant.  I am so sorry to hear of her passing but she lived a good life, 95 years worth, and she experienced that gorgeous ocean view everyday.  
My condolences to her family. 
Ellen Soldinger

Gladys has left us with so many wonderful memories and stories.  Never is anything thrown away as there will be a use for it in the future. Leftovers can always be transformed into something delicious. Stories. Some times you never knew where they were going but there was a silver lining no matter what occurred. The best was when she gathered pictures and stories of her early life to share, so we knew she was young at one time. To us she was forever young. Always wearing the latest in fashion, doing Pilates in her 80’s, not to mention her travel adventures. Above all, she was generous, positive and one of a kind. Her life has left an everlasting impression on our lives.  Have a wonderful journey dear Gladys. All our love travels with you.
Jan & Clyde Madsen



Gladys was a ray of sunshine, a willing ear and most of all a friend and neighbor.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  

My little dog, Annie had a special love for Gladys and went to visit her when she got loose from my house. Gladys would give Annie cheese and Annie would snuggle in Gladys' arms and fall asleep.  

So much more I could say, but my memories and pictures will endure.  

To Randy and Jeff and your families, my thoughts are with you.
--Jan and Annie

OBITUARY

Gladys Doris Wilson

10 October, 1926 – 3 November, 2021

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

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