Gladys L. Means

GLADYS L. MEANS of Glen Ellyn, IL passed away on July 9, 2024 at the age of 98. Gladys was born on April 27, 1926 in Marengo, IL. She grew up in Batavia, IL and married Albert V. Kramer (Al) on May 10, 1947. They had two children, Joseph M. Kramer and Janice M. Hannold (Jack). After Al’s untimely death at a very young age, Gladys eventually met and married William J. Means (Bill) on June 18, 1955 and moved to Addison, IL where they raised their family with additional children, Joyce L. Vassil (Anthony), and James W. Means (Janet). Together they enjoyed gardening and many years of family camping trips. Their retirement years started in 1983 and found them traveling throughout the United States in a travel trailer ultimately settling in Casa Grande, AZ. Following Bill’s passing in 2012, Gladys returned to Illinois, settling in Glen Ellyn and making Brookdale Senior Living Community her home. Over the years she enjoyed reading, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, card games and sharing her lifelong stories with anyone who would listen. Gladys was the loving grandmother of Jeffrey (Sharon), Todd (Laura), Jennifer (Jason), Christina (Joseph), Kelly (Steve), Laura (Andrew), Nicholas (TJ), Matthew, Brian (Michelle), and Katrina (Matthew). She was also great grandmother to 17 (with another due in August), and great-great grandmother of one. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Ella A. Fitch; her sister Mary H. Tincknell (George); her brother, Floyd C. Fitch (Gloria); infant son Joseph Means; and son, Joseph M. Kramer. A memorial Mass to be held on Friday, July 19 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30W350 Army Trail Road, Wayne, IL. Gathering begins at 9:30 am followed by Mass at 10:30 am. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, would be appreciated.