Gladys A. Ferrante

Her parents met in Panama while her mother, Catalina was teaching and her father, Albert was a Sergeant in the Army. Gladys was born on September 25, 1938 and had five siblings: Norman, Paul, Frankie, Albert and April. Her family moved to the US when she was in high school and they lived in West Tampa. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1956. After graduation she attended Florida Central College and obtained her Associates Degree in Business. During that time, she met her husband Daniel and was married for almost 50 years before his passing. They had four children together; Cathy, April, Daniel and Holly.

After college she worked for Tampa Wholesale Liquor until they closed. Gladys then worked as a switchboard operator for The General Telephone Company for several years. In addition, to that, she worked at Maas Brothers department store. While working in the clothing department, she was approached by the local newspaper to model a petite line of clothing that was new to the store. They featured her in the newspaper and you will see a photo of her in the slideshow. She was so proud of the experience. She especially loved to visit the candy department on her lunch break, this is where her love of sweets began. She was known for her love of Entenmann's danish, cakes and cookies. Her favorite candy was Godiva & Whitman's chocolates, but she did not discriminate when it came to her sweets.

The career she loved most was being a Teacher's Assistant for Gary Elementary School. She enjoyed creating artwork the classrooms and the staff were always trying to "steal" her away to work in their class. She loved making the children smile, giving hugs and enjoyed the friendships she made throughout the years.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, painting and drinking sangria on special occasions! She was known for her famous potato salad, sangria, Spanish Omelets, Latin dishes and date nut bread. When it came to family gatherings, you would always find her with a disposable camera in her hand to ensure she captured memories with her family. She loved photos, her house was covered with pictures family members would mail to her.

She wasn't known for being very punctual, but when she arrived, she was always the center of attention. She was known for her big smile, red lipstick and Shalimar perfume. Everyone who knew her, loved little momma bird.

Those of you who knew Gladys would agree that she was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She was one of a kind. She was intelligent, witty and had the kindest soul. She was known for always making others smile, she was full of compliments and NEVER said a negative word even during the toughest times. She had severe arthritis for several years, but never once complained about her health. She loved her family, friends and especially GOD. She was very religious and even had Nuns as friends. She loved to talk to strangers, would give her last dollar to the homeless and she had the BIGGEST heart. She taught her children numerous life lessons and was the best role model. Her daughters would tell her that they loved her to the moon and back, that is why you will see the sign on her memorial table.

Gladys Astevia Ferrante, passed away suddenly on May 24, 2022. She will be missed by so many, but Heaven truly gained another Angel. She will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who loved her for the incredible person that she was. The family wishes to thank everyone for their care and support during this difficult time.

A visitation for Gladys will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610. A committal service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610.