Gladys Giedd

Gladys was born on April 6, 1933, in Herreid, South Dakota, the seventh of ten children and last remaining survivor. From an early age, she learned the values of responsibility, service, and care for others - values that guided her throughout her life.

She pursued a career in nursing and quickly distinguished herself as an exceptional caregiver. A top nursing student, Gladys was admired for her clinical skill, calm judgment, and compassionate presence. She spent her professional life caring for patients and supporting colleagues, earning deep respect from those who worked alongside her. She was affectionately called “Mama Giedd” by her co-workers. Even years after her retirement, former colleagues continued to speak highly of her nursing skill and character.

In 1956, Gladys married Roger Giedd. Together they built a life grounded in devotion to family and faith. They raised three children: Roxane (born 1957), Jay (born 1960), and Carla (born 1961). As a mother, Gladys was steady, practical, and loving, providing a strong foundation for her family.

Faith and service were central to Gladys’s life. She was deeply involved in her church and remained active well into her later years. Well into her 80’s she drove elderly friends to church events to ensure no one was left behind.

In 1984, Gladys and Roger moved to Escondido, California. After retiring from nursing, Gladys devoted many years to caring for Roger as his health declined, bringing to that role the same dedication, patience, and grace that had defined her career.

Gladys will be remembered for her kindness, humility, sense of humor, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she enriched through her work, her faith, and her family.

A memorial service will be held at the Escondido First Church of the Nazarene (1555 S Redwood St, Escondido, CA 92025) on Saturday, December 20th, at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Gladys’s memory to do so through acts of kindness and service to others.