Gladys Gilbert was born in Brooklyn, New York. on September 29, 1923 and had the good fortune to celebrate her 100th birthday this past September. She married three times, and has two sons. Gladys' oldest son, Tom Oliveri and his wife Jane Keller live in West Shokan. Her grandson Tom, his wife Patricia and their two children Grace and Ryan live in Long Island. Gladys' younger son, Dr. Kirby Surprise and his wife Patricia Ljutic live in California. Granddaughter Vencenza and husband Ari are the parents of Corwin and live in Washington. Grandson George and partner Emerald are the parents of Harlow and live in California. A loyal and constant being in Gladys' life was her chosen daughter Mary Certoma, a weekly visitor always bearing flowers for many, many years.

During WW II Gladys worked in a Navy factory, much like Rosie the Riveter. She was very proud of her life as a career woman. Gladys started a bridal business in Long Island and franchised seven bridal stores. She was a master seamstress. Gladys moved to the Catskills in the 1970s and worked for the government agency CEDA, and then as the administrative assistant for the town supervisor of Olive. Gladys was a founding member of the Catskill Mountain Railroad. She worked hard with a group of railroad enthusiasts and this tourist railroad is still in operation, a famous spot for families year round. During the 1980s and 90s she became the chairman of the Sharpe Committee, a non governmental agency which created housing for seniors, Gladys loved helping people in the community and was still driving friends to doctors' appointments in Poughkeepsie and points south well into her 90s.

One of Gladys' interests was family genealogy. She was a great source of information for grandson Tommy's school project and was always eager to share her discoveries. She reconnected with her Jewish roots in the 1990s and had a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Gladys was a lifelong member of the Daughters of Rebeka, an international service organization.

Gladys walked into the room, head held high, for her 100th birthday party and enjoyed speaking to the crowd. This gathering of friends and family was her 'Celebration of Life' event. It was a wonderful day for all. All other services and cremation are private and under the direction of Buono Funeral Service, Inc, Saugerties. NY. Please offer your condolences for Gladys and her family online at www.BuonoFuneralService.com .. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to your local food pantry in Gladys' memory.