Gladys May Somers

Phoenix, AZ - After a rich life filled with love, faith, and service, Gladys passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on July 18th, 2025.

Gladys was born on May 17th, 1934 in Ewen, Michigan to the late Walter and Evelyn (Hansen) Nashland. She attended Ewen High School. Upon graduation, Gladys ventured to Florida, where she served as a nanny. Later, she returned to Ewen and was the assistant to the Superintendent of Ewen schools. Chicago was her next destination, where she worked for People's Gas Company. Eventually, she settled in Green Bay. While in Green Bay, Gladys worked for a local television station before attending business school. Her schooling prepared her for a career as a legal secretary for two different law firms. Later in life, she went to work for her dear friends at Watermolen Enterprises, where she managed several apartment complexes. She loved every job she had and retired in 2012.

Gladys had many passions, mostly revolving around sports. She was an avid fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and UWGB basketball teams. She loved to golf, and traveled to Florida for annual golf trips with her friends. After her daughter moved to Arizona, those trips moved to the desert. You could always find her on the course with her friends in matching outfits, a tradition she passed along to her son-in-law Bernie. Gladys had a knack for welcoming everyone she met and was the consummate hostess. She was quick-witted and enjoyed playing cards. For years, she and the other "grannies" would play rounds of Hand and Foot with her grandchildren and their friends. Her summer vegetable gardens brought her great joy, and she loved the "all-veggie" meals they provided. Generosity was at the core of who she was, and she was always willing to give her time and resources to others. Above all, she treasured her time with family and friends, making countless memories over her 91 years.

Gladys is survived by her daughter: Shana (Bernie) Tompa, step children: Richard (Ginny) Somers, James (Roxanne) Somers and Owen Somers; grandchildren: Sonya Somers, Candice (Eric) Lee, Tiffany (Mehdi Mazaheri, fiance) Somers, Collin (Aliena) Somers, Eric (Evan) Somers-Gruenes, Alice Somers, Casey Tompa, Cailyn Tompa and Gabrielle Somers; great-grandchildren: Emma, Jake, Rebekah and Adlyn; sisters: Jane Houle and Judy Groonwald. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Gladys was preceded in death by her brothers: Galen and Walter; sister: Dorothy Maki; sisters-in-law: Joan Nashland and Linda Nashland; brothers-in-law: Ted Houle and Carl Groonwald; and daughter-in-law: Cindy Esqueda.

Funeral services to celebrate Gladys' life will be held both in Arizona and Wisconsin. Arizona's service will be held at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at 10 am. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Wisconsin's service will take place at First United Methodist Church of Green Bay on Friday, September 5th, 2025 at 2 pm. Friends may greet the family prior to the service from 1-2 pm with a reception to follow at Stadium View Sky Bar.

Service flowers will later be donated to her grandson's skilled nursing facility in AZ and her sister's nursing home in WI.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Janice Gallagher for her loving care and attention to Gladys over the past few years. Janice was her care companion turned care provider and looked after Gladys like she was her own mom.