Gladys C. Vedros

She was the beloved daughter of the late Constantine Vedros and Despo (Tsiros) Vedros. Raised in a Greek-American family, she fondly spoke of her roots as a “poor Greek-American kid from Kansas City” carrying that heritage with pride throughout her life. Her father died when she was just six years old, leaving Gladys and her older sister, Mary Palaskas, to grow exceptionally close as they lovingly cared for their mother together.

Gladys grew up in the tight-knit Greek community centered around St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church in Armourdale, KS, where she was active in numerous church clubs and activities. A gifted student, she attended the University of Kansas City (now UMKC), where she distinguished herself as an officer and leader in multiple organizations.

Following college, Gladys built a distinguished career in federal service with the Social Security Administration. She served in the San Francisco Regional Office, ultimately as Director of Disability Services and later in senior leadership roles overseeing program operations. Over the course of her career, she held significant responsibility for aspects of the Medicare program, as well as the agency’s disability and retirement programs. Earlier, she served as a Disability Program Administrator for Guam. Throughout her career, she earned deep respect for her intelligence, leadership, and knowledge of public policy. She formed lasting friendships with colleagues, including Sally Anderson, Ron Sribnik, and David Hult, and was known as a generous mentor who chose collegiality over rivalry and supported those around her with quiet loyalty and kindness.

Gladys was a woman of exceptional intellect—insightful, witty, brilliant, and endlessly engaging. Mentally sharp and resourceful, she followed current events closely and delighted those around her with her wry observations. Beneath her lively personality was a deeply compassionate heart; she was always ready to help family and friends. Though her career took her far from Kansas City, she remained devoted to her family and returned often to Prairie Village, KS, to support and care for her beloved sister, Mary.

She had a lifelong love of travel, visiting many parts of Europe—including Portugal, Spain, and Greece—often returning to Greece to spend time with relatives and celebrate her heritage.

Even in retirement, her thirst for knowledge never waned. She enrolled in courses on a wide range of subjects simply for the joy of learning. She loved walking the hills of San Francisco, especially near her home atop Russian Hill. She lived most of her adult life in San Francisco, where she embraced the city’s cultural life. She was a devoted patron of the opera, ballet, and symphony and maintained an active and independent lifestyle.

Gladys is survived by her devoted nephew, Constantine “Gus” Palaskas, MD, of Seattle, WA; her goddaughters, Stephanie (Verne) Christensen of Olathe, KS, and Despina “Tiny” Mandouvalou of Athens, Greece; her cousin Antigoni Glikofridi of Athens; and Antigoni’s son, Elias Mandouvalos of Athens. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Palaskas, and brother-in-law, Sam Palaskas, and extended family whom she cherished.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Aegis Living, especially Anne Galer, for their devoted care.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 24, at St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, 8100 West 95th Street, Overland Park, KS, with Reverend Father Theophilos officiating. Visitation and Trisagion will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made to the St. Dionysios Memorial Fund. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, 3300 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, KS.