Gladys Westberg

Gladys Westberg, left this world on November 8, 2018. She was born on May 10, 1930, in Minneapolis to parents Anna Svensson and Johan Andersson, who emigrated from Sweden in the early 1900's. Gladys was the baby sister to brother Roy who served in the Army during World War II. She grew up in Minneapolis during the Great Depression and both parents and her brother worked multiple jobs to support the family.She graduated from Edison High School in 1948 and was named valedictorian of her class. She attended the University of Minnesota, graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Occupational Therapy. While working at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Center as Director of Occupational Therapy, she met the love of her life, Jim Pearson. They were married on Christmas Day, 1970. They enjoyed 45 years together and loved to travel, square dance, golf and birdwatch. Gladys was an avid reader, and loved doing quilts and puzzles. She did not like to cook, but luckily she married Jim who was an amateur chef - otherwise she would have been very hungry. She enjoyed her sweets, and was nicknamed "the Cookie Monster". She loved life and people and her beautiful smile lit up the room. She was also known for her gift of gab. Few people knew that she was an eloquent speaker and often presented in front of the Minnesota legislature.After relocating to Phoenix in 1985 she was Director of Vocational Rehabilitation and Workmen's Compensation for the State of Arizona. Sadly, at age 63, she had a stroke following heart surgery which robbed her of her eloquent speaking ability, and forced Gladys' early retirement.She continued to serve others as a hospice volunteer and was very active at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, serving as a Stephen's Minister, Deacon, Usher and Newsletter folder. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. An extremely intelligent independent woman, she was full of life and full of fun. Lovingly, words used to describe her were feisty, sparky, pistol and firecracker - she was a true redhead.She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Pearson, and brother, Roy Westberg.She will be deeply missed by her daughter Laurie, furry daughter Cricket IV, niece Lonna Boomer, (husband Cal), niece Linda Warren, (husband Duane) and many Pearson nieces and nephews.Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 17th at 2:00 P.M. at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, 13459 W. Stardust Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375, Phone: (623) 584-4602.