Gladys Irene York of Sebastian, FL, passed away peacefully in the arms of her beloved and caring daughter, Patricia, on July 28, 2017, while in the care of "angels" at Sebastian River Hospital. She was 97 years young.

Gladys was born in (Hell's Kitchen,) New York City, on September 4th 1919, to Irene and Lambert Grani. She was the 3rd of seven siblings: Stanley, Bucky, Gladys, Elodia, Mary, Margaret and Leonard. She was pre-deceased by all but baby brother, Leonard.

As a young girl in NYC, Gladys baby-sat for a neighboring family. It was her first job. She later attended night school to complete her high school education. She married John Joseph York in 1943, her husband for the next 43 years. Together they raised and inspired three children daughters Patricia and Irene (deceased) and son, John "Jay" York (Gayle) now of Royal Palm Beach.

Gladys and John raised their family in Lake Hiawatha, NJ, until they moved to Pompano Beach, FL in 1976. While in New Jersey, Gladys worked in Boonton at The Umbrella Factory until she was hired with "top-secret clearance" by Picatinny Arsenal to set timers on bombs for WWII planes. Her husband John also worked at Picatinny Arsenal, as a sewage plant disposal operator. After leaving the Arsenal, Gladys worked with Children's School Savings Accounts at Boonton National Bank (now SunTrust), where her husband then worked as a bank "runner". The Yorks were seldom apart throughout their married life.

Gladys and John were an extremely busy couple in their young lives in New Jersey. John was a Volunteer Firefighter for the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department. Notably, Catholic Mass for the newly-established parish of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church was actually held in the Firehouse before building their new Church in Parsippany, NJ. Gladys and John were Founding Members of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, where they ran the Annual Carnival and hosted Bingo for parishioners for many years before relocating to Pompano Beach, FL. It was at St. Peter the Apostle where Gladys first sang in a Choir, joined by daughter Pat 20 years later.

Gladys was a lifelong upstanding member of The Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of America and a proud member of the Columbiettes. Husband John served as Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

With high hopes and a sense of great adventure, Gladys and John relocated to Pompano Beach, FL, in 1976, later joined by son John and daughter Pat. Here she worked for Sun Bank as a Receptionist and as a valued employee was offered Continuing Education at the local college. It was not long before Gladys found herself lifting her beautiful voice in song as a member of the Choir at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Pompano Beach and then St. Clements Church in Oakland Park, FL. Gladys and Pat remained in Pompano Beach for several years after husband John passed away in 1984. She and Pat eventually spread their wings and crossed the state in 1987 to Port Charlotte to be closer to family.

After moving to Port Charlotte, FL, Gladys volunteered at Lee Memorial Hospital from 1987 to 1992. She was such a valuable individual to the Home Health Department, she was later hired as permanent staff, retiring from there in 1999. Of course, Gladys found her way into the Choir at St. Maxmillion Kolby Church in Port Charlotte, FL, where she graced the parishioners with her musical talents for many years.

The East Coast and a new job for Pat lured them back across the state. They spent about a year in Vero Beach, while awaiting the construction of their beloved home in Sebastian, FL, where they have resided since December 1999. Gladys was a member of the Vero Beach Herbal Society for many years.

"Volunteer" must surely be Gladys' middle name! She sang with the Choir at Holy Cross Catholic Church from the time she arrived in Vero Beach and remained an active participant until death silenced her beautiful voice. Pat has been along side her Mother in song from the beginning. Gladys also volunteered with the Parish Office Service Ministry for many years.

She was a loyal and dependable volunteer at Indian River Medical Center from 2000 until 2011 and served her community as a poll worker for Indian River County right through her 95th birthday!

The York home was a beacon to her beloved family and scores of friends. She was a wonderful cook and shared her many culinary talents and largesse so graciously with all. She will be well remembered for her famous Milk Chocolate & Whipped Cream Birthday Cakes! Before Gladys left us, she cast a very large footprint, far and wide. She loved to travel! At the tender age of 94, she and Pat embarked on an arduous 15-day train trip to the Grand Canyon. Always looking forward, she was actively engaged in discussing the next adventure.

This special Lady's work ethic and moral character was truly exemplary. She was a veritable font of information and shared very good advice with anyone who asked. She was a wonderful Wife and Mother, a loving Sister, a doting Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, a lovely Lady. and a really good Friend to many.

Gladys is survived by her brother Leonard (Sue), daughter Patricia, son John "Jay" York (Gayle) of Royal Palm Beach, her grandson Michael John (Carly) and great-grandchildren, Jake & Courtney, her granddaughter Karaline (Michael) and great-grandson, Cameron, 6 cousins and 17 nieces and nephews.

Gladys has moved on from a beautiful, courageous earthly life, leaving behind her legacy of a loving family and more good deeds than can be counted. She was a "rock" to many, sharing her strength and compassion with anyone who needed to drink from her well of inner beauty and inspiration.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Patrick's Day (her "traditional" house party!) will not be the same without Gladys York at the helm. She will be dearly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, A1A, Vero Beach, FL, on Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 at 10:00 am. Burial to follow immediately at Sebastian Municipal Cemetery, 1921 N. Central Ave., Sebastian, FL 32958.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Franciscans St. Anthony's Guild, 144 West 32nd St., New York, NY 10001, 212-564-8799.

Arrangements are under the direction of Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Sebastian, FL. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.seawindsfh.com.