Gladys Gasparino

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the life she lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of Gladys Gasparino on June 3, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving daughters as she departed this world from the comfort of her home.

Born to Gladys and Martin O'Keefe, on September 4, 1942, in Newark, NJ, she was predeceased by her cherished parents and her beloved husband, Frank (Frankie) Gasparino, whom she wed in April 1994. Their love story was one of companionship and adventure, traveling extensively across the USA by car and rail. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter in their villa at Coquina Cove, Coral Springs, until Frank's passing in January 2010.

Gladys was a beacon of knowledge and nurturing, having graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1959 and later earning her degree in education from Newark State College (now Kean University). Her career as an elementary school teacher spanned across Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and even Kirkcaldy, Scotland, where she taught during the family’s time abroad. Her passion for education and zeal for life knew no geographical bounds, as she imparted wisdom and joy to her students across continents.

In 1981, Gladys settled in Coral Springs, FL. Here, she embraced a new chapter, transitioning her career to become a Medical Assistant. Her initial internship with Dr. Robert Berman at Broward Family Medical Clinic, would become a stewardship of that medical practice, where her organizational prowess and dedication earned her the affectionate nickname "Red," a nod to her vibrant Irish red hair. She retired in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and excellence.

Gladys's life was rich with connections, from her devoted sister, Margaret (Peggy) Davidson, and her husband Wayne, to her cousin Pat Murphy. She leaves behind her children: Denny Woolley (Kristine), Pat Woolley Moldovan (Marinel), Karen Woolley Harper (William "Tripp"), and Lynne Woolley Griffin (Richard). Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren: Tara Woolley

Smith, Erin Woolley Hoffman, Mitchell Woolley, Andrew Griffin, TJ Harper, Daniel Griffin, Patrick Griffin, JC Harper, and George Moldovan, and six greatgrandchildren, Lucy, Wesley, Jacob, Gracie, and twins Luke and Lillian. Her nephews, Michael and Alan Davidson, niece Mary Davidson Lutz, and her dear

friends, the "Gadabou — Jane Barricelli, Diane Belusar, Lori Donovan, and Olivia Goodman — will cherish her memory. An organizer and planner at heart, Gladys was active in the Coquina Cove Home Owners Association, where she helped mold the community. Her adventurous spirit took her and her "Gadabouts" on trips from the villas of southern France to camelback rides in Morocco. A pillar of strength, Gladys bravely faced life's challenges, having battled cancer twice before confronting Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) with her characteristic grace and determination. She was a relentless fighter, a quality that inspired her family and friends. Her warmth and wisdom touched all who knew her, especially her grandchildren, with whom she shared invaluable life lessons, often delivered with a touch accountability, humor and political insight, stressing the need for planning and investing for retirement.

A celebration of Gladys's life will be held on June 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071-6026. A brief hour of the service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The link for those wishing to observe will be updated to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at komen.org.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to BrightStar Home Health Agency, particularly Maureen, for their exceptional care and compassion they provided Gladys during the last few months of her life. Their aides treated her with kindness, respect and dignity. Carleen is a nightingale in scrubs. Their support brought comfort to Mom and our entire family during a very difficult time.

Thanks to Ellie and Danny Villareal for checking in on Mom and assisting whenever asked, and even when not asked.

Thanks to Nurse Lizzy and Nurse Krissy at Dr Rohan Faria’s office with Broward Hematology & Oncology Associates for their kindness, dedication and professionalism, they provided to Mom at each visit as well as all the nurses at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Coral Springs and last but by no means least, for the outpouring of support from friends, her neighbors at Coquina Cove and our extended family and loved ones, some relationships

spanning over 60 years. As we gather to celebrate Gladys’s remarkable life, may we all remember the difference she made and the love she so generously shared.