Gladys De Briyn, 88, died Monday, November 29, 2010 at her home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM, Thursday, December 2, 2010 at St. Bernards Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will be 12:30 PM, Friday, December 3, 2010 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, MN, Assembly Area # 6.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church Thursday.

Gladys Ann Westman was born on June 14, 1922 in Ashland, WI, the daughter of John and Hilda (Hedstrom) Westman. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Baptist Church and attended school in Ashland. Gladys graduated from Ashland High School in 1940.

Following high school, Gladys worked for her familys business, Westman Paint Store in Ashland. She continued to work there until she was married.

On March 18, 1942 Gladys and Lester De Briyn were united in marriage. Together, they made their home in Ashland, WI. For a brief time, before Lester left to serve in the Phillipines, their family lived in Florida. Gladys returned to Ashland with their son, Gary, where they lived with her parents until Lester arrived home from the Service. Upon his arrival home from the war, they again made their home in Ashland.

Throughout their married life, Lester was employed by General Motors, Chevrolet Division. His position led them to Thief River Falls in 1954 where they have since lived. Gladys was a busy homemaker for most of her life and in 1969 became employed by Northwestern Hospital in Thief River Falls. She worked there for eleven years and then retired.

Gladys will be remembered as a foster grandparent, as she would spend time reading with grade school children at Challenger Elementary School. The children there looked forward to her joke of the day and talking about the Minnesota Vikings. On Sundays when the Vikings would play, Gladys always enjoyed betting with her husband who would win. Gladys had a wonderful ability to cook, which was enjoyed not only by her family, but many other people that knew her. Gladys was an optimistic person who never raised her voice. She really enjoyed visiting with people. Her pastimes included golfing and bowling, as well as playing bingo. Gladys was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Survivors include Gladyss children, Gary (Randi) De Briyn of Greenfield Township, MN, Nancy (Bob) Larsen of Racine, WI and Paul (Lori) De Briyn of Houlton, WI; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jay) Bohlinger of Hanover, MN, Andrea De Briyn of Buffalo, MN, Keri Larsen of Racine, WI, Lindsay Larsen and significant other, Patrick Kenyon of Racine, WI, Kristi De Briyn of New York, NY, Kelsey De Briyn of London, England, Kayla De Briyn of Ithaca, NY and Karolyne De Briyn of Houlton, WI; great-grandchildren, Colin and Avery Brooke Bohlinger, Darian Larsen, Dylan and Lyla Kenyon; sister, Edith Powers of Bayfield, WI; sister-in-law, Isabel Hunter of Duluth, MN; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, Ronald; great-granddaughter, Kira Larsen; her parents; brothers and sisters, Richard, Robert, Lincoln, Ruby, Van and Lillian.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Bernards School or Challenger Elementary School of Thief River Falls, MN.

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
SOLOIST: Shelly Burkel
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art & On Eagles Wings
PALLBEARERS: Gladyss Children and their Spouses