Gladys Charles

Gladys Dimanche Charles was born October 19, 1936, in the city of Jeremie, Haiti. She was the loving daughter of Andre V. and Bernadette Bistoury Dimanche. She cherished her memories of her hometown and was grateful for the friendships that were made and continued throughout the years, even when she left Jeremie and moved to Port-au-Prince, and eventually, to the United States. It was in Port-au-Prince where she met her first, last, and only true love, Francois Charles, who was studying to become a medical doctor. He shared his dreams with her of making a difference in the community through the art of healing others, and she readily agreed to be in full support of his ambition and work. They were married in 1959 and soon came to the United States where Francois began practicing medicine at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Gladys worked as a phlebotomist at Barnes Jewish Hospital, and as a business manager for the “Union Diagnostic Clinic”, otherwise known as “that green building on Union!” for a number of years.

But Gladys found her most important life’s work as wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and prayer warrior. You could find her in the kitchen, making fabulous meals that fed not only her children but anyone who would walk in the door. Or maybe sewing a First Communion or Graduation Dress for her daughters-with no patterns as a reference. You could hear her laughing while she spoke on the phone with her friends, catching up on the latest happenings in the community or giving a running commentary on the latest episode of “The Young and the Restless.” If you came early on the weekend, you’d first get a great meal of “Haitian spaghetti with eggs”, and then you’d be loaded in the car to tackle the neighborhood garage sales or the newest antique shops (and get a free lesson from the queen herself on how to get the best bargain)! And who could forget her love of plants, turning the screened- in porch into a delightful forest of greenery?

Her care and compassion extended far beyond the immediate family of Francois, Dominique, Danielle, Francois Jr. and David. It was simply known that everyone was welcomed at “506 White Rose Lane.” The door was opened for an afternoon-or a month-or even years. As part of the wave of Haitians that came to build community in St. Louis, Gladys and Francois made sure the home country was not forgotten. Whether hosting a party or attending one, you would be sure of three things: Good food, Great dancing, and Wonderful stories!

Gladys had an immense faith and was never ashamed of sharing it with others. Rosaries were strategically placed all over the house so that she could reach one wherever she stood. The wood carving of Mary and Jesus, made by her father, watched over her and Dad in their bedroom. She attended daily Mass, whether in person or watching it on TV, because she knew it was important to bathe her days in the love of Jesus. It was an honor for her to clean the altar linens for the Church parish, and anyone who knew Gladys knew how much she loved to joyfully sing praises to God.

In her last week of life, when the priest asked her to respond to her baptismal promises one last time, her voice was strong and steady: “Do you believe in God…In Jesus…In the Holy Spirit? Do you renounce satan? Do you believe in life everlasting?”

“I DO” was her strong response.

Nothing left to say.

On July 12, 2025, Gladys died surrounded by prayer and family, rejoining her “Ti Chou”(Francois), her parents, Andre and Bernadette Dimanche, and her sister Giliane Duplan. She continues to live in the hearts of her daughters Dominique and Danielle (Tim, Elana, Lukas, and Alexander); sons Francois Jr.

(Gina, Lachlan, and Sloan) and David, her sisters and brothers: Sr. Jean Marie, F.D.L.S., Jean, Rene, and Marie Michelle, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the many kind expressions of sympathy. Your support is deeply felt and welcomed.

A Public Visitation for Gladys will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 106 N Meramec Ave., Clayton, MO 63105, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. There will be a private burial for the family following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to King’s Retreat House at the Shrine of Our Lady of Snows, 442 S. DeMazenod Drive, Belleville, Illinois, 62223. Mom loved visiting the Grotto and wanted everyone to have the ability to rest with Jesus in a quiet space, no matter one’s financial status. You can send checks or follow this link: https://snows.org/support-the-shrine/. Make sure to direct your gift to King’s House.