Gladys Brander

Gladys Louise (Kirby) Brander, 95, of Attleboro passed away peacefully on June 4th at Sturdy Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her last days after having been at Life Care of Attleboro for the past 9 months.
Born and educated in Attleboro where she lived her entire life, predeceased by her husband Donald S Brander a POW/MIA from the Korean War. She later married Albert C Brander(Donald's brother) who also predeceased her.
Gladys leaves behind one daughter with Donald, Nancy (Brander) Authier and her husband Robert Authier of Attleboro and 4 children with Albert, Lawrence (Larry) Brander who predeceased her, Susan (Brander) Bouchard and her husband Michael Bouchard of Cumberland RI, Laurie Brander of Pawtucket RI and Donna (Brander) McAndrews and her husband James McAndrews Jr of Attleboro.
Her grandchildren: Dennis Ptak and his wife Amy of Attleboro, Ryan McAndrews and his partner Maggie Vasconcelos of Warren RI, Matthew McAndrews and his wife Blair of Durham NC, Nicholas McAndrews and his wife Emily of Attleboro, Andrew Gorman and his wife Caitlin of Pawtucket RI, Alexander Gorman of Pawtucket RI, Brian Bouchard and his partner Kelly of Maryland. Her great grandchildren: Aliyah Ptak of Attleboro, Wilson McAndrews of Attleboro, Calnan McAndrews of Attleboro. Gladys also leaves behind step grandchildren: Michael Authier, his wife Tina and son Dylan and Nicholas Authier and his daughter Kylie and step great grandchildren: Tasha Clark and her husband Eric, and their son lshaan. Gladys left behind a long list of extended family, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by all her siblings: Thomas Kirby, Loren Kirby, Gordon Kirby, Russell Kirby, Marie Dunham and Irene Johnson.
Gladys led a long and happy life. She was known for her kindness and being a truly giving person. She worked full time at Sinclair MFG in Norton until she was almost 91 years old. The arrival of Covid on the scene being the big factor in her retirement from the company, which had become a big part of her life for so many years. As she would say with a laugh "it gave me a reason to get up in the morning!" Growing up during World War II Gladys left school to help her family as her brothers went off to war. At the age of 90 Gladys received an Honorary degree from Attleboro High School.
Gladys gave more presents at Christmas to more people than you can imagine. Christmas time was her favorite and she was dubbed "Mrs. Claus" by her co-workers. She was the gift that kept on giving! Everyone received a present and a card. Not only at Christmas but on birthdays, anniversaries, etc that came complete with a cake, napkins and matching plates. She lived to put a smile on your face, right down to every Hallmark card hand picked especially for you with a handwritten verse inside. Hallmark stockholders owe her a debt of gratitude as she made sure everyone got a card on their special day. The presents were knee deep around her Christmas tree at home too. Giving made her the happiest.
Having two husbands in the Military Gladys could be seen year after year on the Common on Memorial Day and there was always a flag flying by her front door. Truly one of the greatest generations and she couldn't have been prouder to have two wonderful husbands that were soldiers, including her grandson Nicholas who followed in their footsteps. She was a proud American!
A sincere thank you to all the wonderful nurses and aides at the Life Care center of Attleboro and Sturdy Memorial Hospital who cared for Gladys.
Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, June 28th from 10:00AM to 12:00PM in the Duffy-Poule Funeral and Cremation Services, 20 Peck St., Attleboro, MA. Interment will be private. We encourage family and friends to upload photos and share memories of Gladys to her memorial page. www.duffy-poule.com