Worcester – Gladys U. (Smith) Dubois, 87, of Worcester, died peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Monday, July 23, 2012 at the Knollwood Nursing Center, Worcester.
She has now greeted her beloved husband, Henry Dubois, who predeceased her Oct. 27, 2011. Henry was, as she called him, “The Love of Her Life,” and her wonderful caretaker during her life and illness.
She is survived by her adoring children, Kathleen and her husband, Emile LeBlanc, of Worcester; Edith Anne Harvey of Templeton; Karen Renna and her husband, Yvan Poissant; Thomas Harvey of Sarasota, Florida; Debra Valois and her husband, Paul, of Ocala, Florida; and Mary Ellen and her husband, Steve Cyganiewicz, of Princeton, as well as seven grandchildren whom she cherished, six precious great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She leaves a loving sister, Helen Ellis of West Kingstown, R.I.; six wonderful step-children, Rosemary McCarthy of Worcester, Christine Judson and husband Gerald of Florida, Sheila Davis and husband John of North Grafton, Sharon Fonceault of Hopedale, John Dubois of Marlborough, and David Dubois of Worcester. She leaves 11 sweet step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren.
Gladys was the youngest of five daughters, born in 1925 to Ira and Edith Smith of Worcester. She loved to take care of her family and extended family, whom she loved dearly.
Her interests included dancing, reading, trips to the beach, and her volunteer work. She retired at the age of 82 as a volunteer at the St. Francis Home in Worcester. She was a member of the Assembly of God & Cornerstone Christian Fellowship for many years. Gladys and Henry were devoted to their special needs daughter, Edith, throughout their lives.
Funeral services will be held privately for family members. There are no calling hours. Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave., Worcester, is directing arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edith Harvey, c/o Shirley Haglund (Rep Payee for Alternatives), 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, MA 01588.
