Gladys Rowena Holmer

Gladys Rowena (Bowen) Holmer

Gladys Holmer, 99, of Snohomish, WA passed away on April 11, 2011.
Gladys was born on June 3, 1911 at the family home in the Marshland area near Snohomish to Gwenllian and Thomas Bowen. Gladys attended Marshland and Snohomish Schools. In 1935 Gladys married Gustav Holmer.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Gustav; her mother, Gwenllian; and father, Thomas; her sisters, Alice Mae and Barbara Jean; and brothers, Charles and Edward.
Gladys worked most of her working life in the food service business. In the early 1940's Gladys and Mary McGinn owned and operated Mona's Café on First Street in Snohomish. Next, Gladys worked for Swenson's Auction in Snohomish where she operated the lunch counter. In 1957 Gladys went to work for Don and Dan Britton at Britton Brothers Auction managing the lunch counter until the auction house closed in 1990.
Gladys had a passion for cooking for her family and friends, and she was happiest when surrounded by them. One of her greatest joys was her twin grandsons, Brent and Brian. She loved her "tea party time" with nieces, Sally and Brook. She was always smiling, positive, and upbeat even in the most difficult of times.
Gladys is survived by her daughter, Gwen Ann; and her husband, Bill Melnyk; grandchildren, Brent Melnyk, Brian and his wife, Jane Melnyk; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Gus, Katie, Spencer and Sophie; many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, of Swans Trail, with Pastor Thomas Rohde officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Marshland Cemetery Association, 3631 122nd PL. S.E., Everett, WA 98208.