Gladene Joyce Pattison

All who were blessed to know and love Gladene Pattison will certainly agree that she had truly unlocked the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of comfort, no matter the circumstances. As the nurturing matriarch of her family, nothing brought Gladene greater joy than spending time with her loved ones. Hardworking and compassionate to all, she made an unforgettable impact in the lives of those around her. Gladene will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The early 1930s are remembered as some of the most difficult years for those living in the United States. Following the historic crash of the stock market just a couple of years before, The Great Depression cast a heavy shadow over the country. It was during this dark time that Gladene made her entrance into the world, bringing a spark of light to her family. Born on January 4 of 1931, Gladene was one of four children and was raised alongside her three sisters, Dolores, Phyllis, and Colleen.

Gladene’s childhood was filled with many happy moments, but also with obstacles to overcome. Her father worked for Saniwax, and her mother was a seamstress. As children, Gladene and her sisters got up to their share of mischief. They would often laugh about one occasion where they put Gladene in a trash can! Gladene once drank some of her father’s whisky to help cure a cold, and she swore she would never drink whiskey again! Even at a young age, Gladene was a fighter. She always believed she was a medical miracle after she came down with rheumatic fever at a young age, but she battled her way through life well into her 90s.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Gladene as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Robert Pattison, and the two first met on a blind date. Robert caught sight of Gladene tying her shoes, and the rest was history. Even though they were opposites in a lot of ways, they were truly a perfect match. Gladene and Robert were united in marriage on June 12, 1954, weaving their lives together. For a time, Gladene worked as a classified’s specialist for the Kalamazoo Gazette. She and Robert also got involved in their community and served as leaders in the local 4H club.

Of all the things Gladene loved in life, her family was her greatest treasure. She and Robert were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Michael, Mary, and Nancy, into their hearts and home. Once she became a mother, Gladene stopped working so that she could fully devote her time and energy to raising her kids. She was an amazing homemaker and was exceptionally skilled at running a smooth, frugal household. Dinner was served every night at 5 P.M., and though Gladene wasn’t much of a cook, she was known to make a delicious chocolate cake with marshmallows that no one was allowed to touch until they’d eaten all of their vegetables. Her children were her pride and joy.

Never one to let anything go to waste, Gladene taught her kids to recycle cans, and she even took home plastic flatware from Mary’s wedding to wash and reuse. At that same wedding, Gladene was the life of the party, tapping her glass for every toast and even dancing on the tables. She was a warm hostess and welcomed everyone into her home with a smile. Over the years, Gladene “adopted” plenty of kids who just needed a little love. Her door—and her arms—were always open. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Gladene would watch the grandkids whenever she could and took every opportunity to care for her loved ones. She redid the windows in her home, and later on, her family learned it was so that her great-grandchildren could better see outside. Gladene considered herself deeply blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

In the late 1960s, Gladene and Robert built their “big house,” where friends and family were always welcome. She took joy in making sure her home was always as comfortable as possible, and enjoyed the cleaning to keep the house in its best state. Her love of laundry brought many loads her way, even having family and friends send her items from across the country because they knew she could clean it best. Though she never learned to swim in their pool, she always insisted that the kids use it. Gladene and Robert enjoyed many years of marriage. Robert would often tease her lovingly, and the two were inseparable. In the 29 years since losing the love of her life, Gladene cherished every moment the two had shared.

Gladene was the kind of woman to find joy in the simple pleasures in life. Once her kids were in high school, she began working at the local Oshtemo library. Gladene would help with the elections and always looked forward to story time. Her favorite snacks included Cape Cod kettle chips, kettle corn, and chocolate with caramel. Everything that Gladene did revolved around her loved ones, and she always made sure that her friends and family members knew just how deeply they were treasured.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Gladene Pattison, it is easy to see both her unwavering kindness and her unconditional love for her family. She was willing to go above and beyond to serve those around her, and her greatest joy was hosting and caring for others. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gladene took every chance to hold her loved ones close. Her insatiable zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Although she is already greatly missed, Gladene leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Gladene Joyce Pattison age 94, died on December 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Pattison; her parents, Luther and Frances Anspach; her siblings, Dolores Lester, Phyllis Chase, Colleen Anspach; her son, Michael Ross Pattison; and best friend, Nella Langeland. Surviving are her children, Mary (Dennis) Town, Nancy (Steve) Bird, and Daughter in-law, Deb Pattison; her grandchildren, Amanda, Ross (Annie), Matt, Leesa (Wojtek); her great-grandchildren, Steven, Savannah, Catherine, Lydia, Lincoln, Blake, Nadia, Adriana, Cass, and Holden; and numerous honorary daughters.

A Celebration will be held at a later date. Celebrate Gladene’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Hospice and Meals on Wheels. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.