GLADYS ELIZABETH GILBERT
September 11, 1907 – February 21, 2006
The residents and staff of Covenant Village of Cromwell express their sympathy to the family and friends of Gladys Elizabeth Gilbert, 98, who died on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at Pilgrim Manor Care Center, in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Gladys Elizabeth Sivert was born on September 11, 1907, in Milford, Massachusetts, the only child of Axel Richard and Ellen (Stenholm) Sivert. She graduated elementary and high school in Worcester, Massachusetts, and decided to go on to college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, graduating in 1929 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her parents were very liberal and encouraged Gladys’ independence. Taking full advantage of their encouragement, Gladys got her driver’s license early on. She went on to graduate work at Columbia University, living alone in New York City, not a common practice for that time. Gladys achieved a Master of Arts degree from Columbia, and took a job teaching Home Economics.
In 1944 Gladys married William Clave, who was employed by the Forestry Service. With the marriage came two step-children, Marion and Robert Clave. The family lived in Worcester where they attended the United Church of Christ. Gladys was a loving and attentive mother, and her family recalls her as honest and outspoken. They were very close, and came to rely on knowing exactly what she was thinking and where they stood. Very social, Gladys loved to welcome visitors, but when she was done visiting, she would stand and announce, “Thank you for coming.” Gladys and Paul shared a love of travel and toured the 48 states, towing a travel trailer. They met Grandmas Moses just as she was becoming famous. The couple moved to Jensen Beach, Florida and joined the Jensen Beach Community Church. William Clave died in 1963. Gladys married John Gilbert in the early 1970’s, and in 1979 she was able to attend the 50th reunion of her college class at Amherst. When John Gilbert died in 1981 Gladys remained in Florida, pursuing her many interests. She was a crackerjack bridge player, enjoyed needlepoint and continued to travel, collecting penguins of all sizes, done in all types of media. In 1990 Gladys moved to an apartment in the Hillside building of Covenant Village of Cromwell. She was delighted to find many who shared her interests and made many friends.
Predeceased by two husbands and her step-children Marion and Robert Clave, Gladys is survived by her step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 24, in All Faiths Cemetery, 7 Island Rd, Worcester. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 is directing arrangements.