Gladys Mae Barton

Gladys Mae Barton, of Austin, age 83, died on September 18, 2005. The oldest of two children, Gladys Barton, nee Laun, was born on October 12, 1921, in New Holland, Pennsylvania. After high school, Gladys attended and graduated from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in New York City in 1942. In 1944 she married Harry Barton, a U.S. Navy Ensign from Abbott, Texas. From 1944 to 1958 she worked in various capacities in New Jersey for such entities as General Motors, the Merck Corporation, the New Jersey Diagnostic Center, the Cooper Hospital of Nursing, and New Jersey Bell Telephone while simultaneously acquiring advanced degrees from New York University and Temple University in Philadelphia. Her most cherished experience during this time was serving as a U.S. Army Nurse in Germany during 1952 and 1953. From 1958, when her son John was born, to 1967, she was a stay-at-home mother. Beginning in 1967 and continuing through 1976, Gladys worked as a teacher and social worker for children with special needs. During this time, she also spent a number of years serving on the Haddon Heights Board of Education. In 1976, Gladys and Harry retired to Austin. Gladys always lived life to the fullest. A favorite quote of hers was from Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Throughout her life, and especially her retirement, Gladys was the quintessential volunteer. She volunteered for many organizations and causes in Austin including the Austin Rape Crisis Center, AIDS Services of Austin, Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, Bat Conservation International, and Camp Mabry. As a Life Master, one of Gladys’ many passions was Bridge. Overseas travel was another. Her travels took her to more than 30 countries including Croatia, Cuba, Iran, Lebanon, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, and Antarctica. Gladys was always embodied the best of our country – and she will always be missed. Gladys is survived by her only child John, his wife Dianne, and her beloved granddaughter Helen. Her husband of 57 years, Harry, preceded her in death in September 2001. Interment will be at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. In accordance with Gladys’ wishes, only a graveside ceremony is planned. In lieu of flowers or tears, Gladys prefers that you contribute your time, money, or talent to a charity or cause – a charity or cause that you believe will make our community, our country, and our world, a better place. Obituary and guestbook available online at wcfish.com