Gladys Aleta Poulin (nee Cole) passed away on April 19, 2024, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 81. She was born on September 7, 1942, in Annapolis, MD.

Gladys always knew that she wanted to be a mother and was considered a mother and grandmother by many; some for awhile and others for a lifetime.

She was an integral part of the family and school life of her grandchildren, Stephanie, Christina, and Lisa Worley, in Brandon, FL, where she made her home throughout their childhood and college years. Their friends were always welcome and they called her Grandma. In fact, she took anyone needing love under her wing and kept them there until they were ready to fly solo. She took great pride in taking care of others, especially children. One of the happiest times of her working years was at St. Stephen Catholic School as a teacher's aide for Kearsten, a very special girl whom she loved dearly and the lunch lady who made sure the rules were followed and everyone was fed. Prior to the birth of her grandchildren, Gladys worked as a caregiver at the VA hospital in Kerrville, Texas, and Panorama City Assisted living facility in Lacey, WA.

Gladys was an excellent cook and very much enjoyed cooking for her large family. She also was a whiz at organization and making everything fit. Her uncanny ability to make round pegs fit square holes is a common topic within the family. Her Jenga style of packing a vehicle for travel is something of a family legend. She loved to play Scrabble with her grandchildren and relished a particularly magnificent win.

Gladys was loved, revered, honored and yes, sometimes healthily feared, but there is no one else like her. Our hearts will hold her love forever and she will be missed by her family and friends.

Gladys is survived by her children: Raylene Worley, Stephen Poulin, Robert Poulin, Cynthia Butler, Robin Poulin,Tracey Leath, and Michael Bertka, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Poulin, son Arthur Poulin, mother Annette Cole, brother Robert L. Cole, sisters Eva Mitchell and Annette Smith and will be interred with her husband, Joseph A. Poulin, at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park.

A memorial service will be held at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park in Riverview on May 25, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The service will be held outdoors, so please dress comfortably and casual attire is encouraged.