Gladys Blanche Kilby

Gladys Kilby, who touched so many in her ninety-six years, is now in heaven with her loved ones. She always had a quick wit, was remarkably energetic, and had a jovial personality. One story she regularly would like to tell was about her soft-spoken ophthalmologist. On one occasion, while he was discussing her routine exam, she interrupted him and goes, “Doctor, I’m old as dirt!” and he broke out in roaring laughter which she had never heard him speak above a whisper.

 If one word could summarize Gladys, it would be strength. She grew up during the Great Depression, worked throughout the Second World War, raised a disabled daughter, and unfortunately outlived some of her own children. Her energy and stamina amazed people when she would tell them she was in her nineties. Gladys always had sayings when friends and family would come and go. One of them was, “Don’t take any wooden nickels,” or “If you can’t be good, be careful.” Sound advice.

Gladys was a member of Holy Rosary church and wife to Walter Kilby, a Pearl Harbor survivor and pensioner of the ILWU local 23.  Gladys and Walter were members of the VFW Post 969 and celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends there. She will be greatly missed; her loved ones are grateful for her care and guidance.

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