Gladys Reardon

Gladys Burch Reardon passed away on June 9, 2012, three days after celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her sister, Ada Dodd and daughter, Sharon Cipolla. She also has two grandchildren, Tom and Susan Cipolla, as well as three great grandchildren, Nicholas and Alexandra Cipolla and Lily McCabe. Gladys, known only as “Nana” to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was an integral part of each of their lives and will forever be the matriarch of the family. Gladys was born in King City, Missouri on June 6, 1912. She was one of 8 children and grew up in Ravenwood, Missouri. She graduated from high school in Ravenwood and went on to continue her education at Northwest Missouri State with a degree in elementary education. Gladys was married in 1939 and divorced in 1944. She touched countless lives teaching third and fourth grade for 34 years while raising her daughter, who also went on to teach for over 30 years. After her career in teaching, Gladys worked in retail for almost 20 years until she finally retired at the age of 85. Some of Gladys' fondest memories were the times spent with her daughter and grandchildren. She was present for every important event in their lives. She was so proud to watch her grandchildren graduate from college and see them grow into the happy and successful individuals they are today. She loved to sew, read, and watch sports. Gladys could discuss the details of the Royals season or KU basketball with the most informed sports fan. Though she loved to watch sports, her favorite place to be was home with her family. Gladys would like to be remembered for her desire to help others and her selflessness. She always tried to stay one step ahead of everything in life and she succeeded many more times than not. Her message to her family and friends was the following:
"There have been many ups and downs in my life but in all I have had a very fulfilling life. I just wanted peace and harmony for all. It doesn't take a lot to make me happy as long as the people around me are happy. I never thought too much about traveling. I just wanted to enjoy people and things surrounding me......I have had a very enjoyable life." A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Maryville, MO. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Friday evening at the Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Donations may be made in her name to Wayside Waifs 3901 Martha Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO 64137 or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America 4801 East Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64128.