About This Memory Space
This page was created for Gladys M. Thompson's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Gladys M. Thompson's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Gladys M. Thompson. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Gladys M. Thompson crafted a life brimming with warmth, wit, and handmade treasures, leaving behind a tapestry of joyful memories through her nursing dedication, creative crafts, and irresistible homemade treats.
Born in the small town of Roscoe, Minnesota, to Albert and Elizabeth Erkens, Gladys embraced a path of care and creativity from her early days. After completing nursing school, she built a fulfilling vocation as a licensed practical nurse, touching countless lives with her compassion. Beyond her professional world, she found delight in the Red Hat Society's lively camaraderie, where she shared laughs and stories. Her hands were never idle, skillfully weaving yarns into knitted and crocheted masterpieces, while her kitchen filled homes with the scent of fresh-baked gingersnaps—her signature delight that drew family and friends together.
As a dedicated LPN, Gladys devoted her career to nurturing others, bringing skill and kindness to her daily work in healthcare. Her training from nursing school equipped her to make a tangible difference in patients' lives, embodying the quiet heroism of hands-on medical support.
Family & Loved Ones
Gladys poured her affectionate spirit into nurturing close-knit connections, hosting gatherings alive with her signature humor and plates of gingersnap cookies. She leaves cherished daughters Lisa Boland (Denis) and Heather Mayhugh (Christopher), along with grandchildren Mira Boland, Maeve Boland, and Isaiah Mayhugh, who carry forward her playful legacy. Her surviving brothers, Kenneth Erkens (Judy) and Melvin Erkens (Mary), shared in the enduring sibling bonds formed in their Minnesota roots, while she was predeceased by brother Edwin Erkens.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from Gladys's circle capture a woman whose infectious laughter and thoughtful gestures brightened everyday moments, with many recalling her as the ultimate source of comfort and cheer in tough times.
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