Gladys Carter Manasco

October 14, 2022 this day will forever be etched in our family’s memory as the day our sweet, beautiful, kindhearted mother Gladys was call to her eternal home.

Gladys was the first bundle of joy born to her parents Leo Carter and Edith (Fudge) Carter, on July 25, 1953, they went on to have four more children to complete their family. Leo Jr. wife Sharon, Gary wife Elaine, Thomas wife Louise and Lorraine. Her sister Lorraine remembers that  they always felt the protective way their big sister watched over them, like she was made just for them, and they were truly blessed to have her.

Gladys decided at the age of 18 to become an LPN, and after accomplishing her studies, she spread her wings and moved to Halifax, she worked at Camphill Hospital until she met the love of her life, John Manasco, a military man from the USA.  Upon meeting John within 6 months, they had married and moved to Norfolk, Virginia. She made a life to be proud of, married for 42 years to John, whom she loved dearly.  Gladys is also survived by their children and grandchildren that she loved dearly.  Children Tommy and his wife Ruth and their family, Phillip and his wife Brandy, Larry and his wife Kacey, Shelia, and Johnathan and his wife Brittany and her adopted daughter Chassidy Pounds Smith. Grandchildren Jaden, Levi, Izzabella, David, Lilly, Leo and Logan

Whilst in the USA, Gladys served as Den Leader for the Cub Scouts Pack 114 for 10+ years. In the 90’s, she became the first woman assistant Scout Master in the Mountain District for Boy Scout Troop 114.  She also served 8 years of family support group for the Detachment 1 Company C 877th Combat Engineer Battalion, Alabama National Guard.  Her love of children and belief in family led her to work the support group to raise money for families and planned events to entertain the children of soldiers belonging to that Units Deployment to Iraq in 2002.  Gladys always had a special place in her heart for the elderly, so it’s no surprise to know, in the past 10+ years, she worked in the homes of quite a few, who were unable to care for themselves, so as to help keep them in their beloved homes.

During all her years away from her Cape Breton home, she kept saying , “most of me is here with my kids but the rest of me is there with you guys”…She absolutely loved us all and we felt it, she would spend hours on the phone telling us about her life, rehashing memories of “ the boys” and all their mischievous adventures that usual ended up with a call to Nanny or Uncle Benny…She found it hard to leave our tight knit clan, but she did and she made a life she always said, “I wouldn’t change a thing”.  We would marvel at her independence and strength, her love of family. 

Gladys now has been greeted by many family members we are sure, our mom (Edith) being her first.  She was the proud granddaughter of the late Benjamin and Rosanna Fudge (Louisbourg) and the late Thomas Carter and Olive Lushman (Francois, NL). Unfortunately, far too many aunts, uncles, cousins to mention from NS and NL, who are waiting with open arms, for hugs so badly missed.

Left to morn her passing, besides her dad and siblings, husband, children and grandchildren are:  Her nieces, Laurie (John L), Jenny (Tyler), Melanie (Jeffery), Deanna (Adam), Leigh (Gavin); with their families. Her nephews, Craig (Natalie) and Mitchell (Amanda); with their families. Her aunts and uncles: Winnie Barter, Caroline MacIntyre, Benny (Dora) Fudge, Mike (Mae) Lushman and Paul (Sue) Lushman.  Her other sister:  whom she absolutely adored Anastasia (Ann) Delorey.  They were thick as thieves in their younger days and have remained true friends to the end.  I am sure many more friends and family of Johns’ whom we have never met, like Mr. Alan Bell her long-time neighbor; in her home of Alabama.  To all who shared in making her, a life of happiness, thank you, we appreciate your love and friendship to our sweet sister.

Rest In Peace sweet mama, until we hug again.