Glenna Gossett
1956 - 2024
Glenna Gossett
1956 - 2024
Obituary
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Glenna Gossett Obituary
Glenna Gossett, a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Day, 2024, alongside her cherished long-haired Tortoiseshell cat, Grizabella ("Grizzi"), after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
Born on September 27, 1956, in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, Glenna grew up in Park Forest, Illinois. She attended high school in St. Elmo, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication, Television, and Radio from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She later pursued a Master of Arts in Communications from Webster University. Glenna spent most of her adult life in St. Louis, Missouri, cultivating a successful career and vibrant personal life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay W. Gossett (1988), and Elizabeth Norton Gossett (1994), her brother Jerry Gossett (2023), and her beloved kitties: Jellico (Jelli) Jennyanydots (Jenni), and Grizabella (Grizzi).
Glenna is survived by her precious orange Maine Coon cat, Gus, who is in the loving care of friend and neighbor, Lin Craig, and her loving family:
-Sisters: Gretchen Gossett Davis (husband Paul) of Arlington, TX, and twin sister Gretta Gossett Beckman (husband Dean) of Teutopolis, IL.
-Brothers: Jayson Gossett (wife Kim) of Salem, IL, and Jeff Gossett of Effingham, IL.
-Nieces and Nephews: Mandy Gossett Mason (husband Jake) of Iuka, IL; Kelly Gossett King of Salem, IL; Jessica Beckman Niebrugge (husband Jon) of Teutopolis, IL; Jackelyn Beckman of Effingham, Jake Beckman of Teutopolis, IL; and Danny Rudd (wife Jodie) of Arlington, TX.
-Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews: Dylann Rosenthal, Adelyn King, Pearl Rudd, Grace Niebrugge, Gavin Berry, Jayden Berry, Evan King, Daniel Rudd, and Logan Niebrugge.
-Cousin: Lisa Rehm (husband Rick) Leonard (of Bridgeport, OH) and their children Michael Leonard and Elise (husband Sebastian) Luu
Glenna's professional life reflected her vibrant spirit and dedication. Her passion for marketing and consumer engagement was evident in her work as a skilled marketing project manager. With a career spanning over 40 years, she held prominent roles at Anheuser-Busch and Daymon Worldwide, among others. Glenna's expertise included project management, branding, advertising, and digital marketing. She was known for her creativity, strong work ethic, and ability to excel in fast-paced environments.
She also volunteered extensively, serving on committees for GO! Network, a nonprofit organization supporting career development and entrepreneurship, volunteering for the Animal Protective Association of MO, and supporting the Humane Society of MO. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Glenna was a gifted copywriter and editor, having lent her talents to many freelance projects including editing R. Bruce Lucas's novel A Year for Kristine.
In her personal life, Glenna was fiercely independent, a compassionate soul who found joy in the company of her cats, her family, and her close friends. Her kindness, wit, and unwavering loyalty will be remembered by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Fey Funeral Home, 4100 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO on January 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Glenna's memory to Animal Protective Association of MO, the Humaine Society of MO, APA of MO, or your local no-kill shelter.
Her bright spirit and love will forever remain in our hearts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Terry Thomas
February 23, 2025
We were best of friends in Park Forest. Our summers were always idyllic and carefree, riding our bikes around breakneck hill and imagining other fun and inventive things to do with our time. Seeing that she had died was purely happenstance and had hit me hard. Greta and Gretchen, I hope you are okay. Love to you all, Terry Thomas.
Jayson Gossett
February 16, 2025
Just say a few words. Just so you know. This task is way outside of my tool box.
Today I must confess to a commitment I never intended to fulfill.
When asked if I would assist in executing her final wishes,
Fully knowing my sister Glenna lived a more cleaner, healthier, holistic, and balanced life.
I did not hesitate for even a microsecond.
Well Duh!
She would outlive me by a decade....
By any measure....
Well... here we are.
Family, Friends, Co-workers, Neighbors... Thank you for being here today... not to grieve the premature passing of a precious beloved..
... but to celebrate a life lived in full. A life of fierce independence (thank you Gretchen), optimism, love compassion and much, much grace.
To those who are unable to join us today.. due to weather, travel, health, prior committments, those who may be unaware of her depature, and those who will be with us today in spirit. I have no doubt that if they could be present today, a line would extend out the door and around the block.
A Celebration of a Life well lived.... expressed in words.
And words were important to my sister Glenna ....
In the process of preparing for this memorial, ... Gretta and husband Dean.. ... my wife Kim and I have sifted through over 30 years of treasured messages expressing gratitude to Glenna for the help, support, love, caring, strength, sharing, efforts...
there´s more!..
patience, understanding, contribution, love, friendship, positivity, uplifting, generous, love, compassion, work, dilligence, joy, love, love.. love. There were literally hundreds of these messages. She treasured all. Thank you! for honoring her gifts and talents.
It is important that you know these notes, gifts and letters were within arms length of her dining room table... because those words mattered.
Oh no! there´s more.
Words with action. Stewardship, faithfulness, perseverance, willingness, environmental impact.. . Glenna recycled everything....
Evevvrything!
Committment. She drove Hybrids. She was on the waiting list when they first came out. Doing her part to protect our planet.
Organic. Another word with action: garden, flowers and plants were cared for meticulously by natural methods. Her houseplants flourished under her good stewardship. As did her feline family. I have heard these words so many times over the years "if only I could be re-incarnated as cat in
Glenna´s care"
Projects. Everything in Glenna´s world was a project to be managed. And she was very good at
allocating resources and working along side others. Everyone in her sphere of influence was...
a project to manage. Family, Friends Co-workers and Neighbors.
Two more words.
Unconditional love: She met people in their need, to help wherever, whenever.
But then there is this ugly word.
Cancer.
An incomprehensible word that cannot be unheard and cannot be denied.
It is the only.... negative word associated with my sister Glenna.
If anyone could take on cancer... and she did.. fiercely... as her last project... here.
Words do matter... for those of us present today.
And there are words we all hope to hear one day... but not too soon.
For this is the ultimate attest to a life well lived and loved. ...
the same words I believe my dear sister arose to hear
early on Christmas morning of last year....
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Susan
February 8, 2025
Glenna was truly a special person. We became friends several years ago. We became closer this past summer during a career change for me. She was brilliant and had so much knowledge in communication/job search info. I would call to check on her and her treatments and offer to help - (she would never accept it.), and she would give career guidance to me, always asked how my last interview went, all while she was suffering and couldn't eat much at all. It broke my heart not to be able to helo her! I had so hoped she would find the right treatment to improve. My condolences to all, She was an Angel.
Kim Gossett
February 2, 2025
I´ve always believed that God brings people/opportunities into your life for a reason- either a lesson or a blessing - after meeting my Jayson on a blind date in 1975 I was introduced to the Gossett family. Jay & Betty Gossett - solid, Kind, warm, & patient - a true blessing. Glenna and Gretta were born early weighing just a bit over 2# when Gretchen was only 8-1/2 months old (Irish triplets)- Jayson 13 months later - 4 babies in 23 months - my mother-in-law had her hands full to say the least but also had great patience and grace. Joined by Jerry (whom we lost in January 2023) and little brother, Jeff, she was living her dream. The 6 pack (3 girls & 3 boys) they were a unit - they moved as one- I was fully & graciously accepted into that unit as a daughter and sister- Sweet Glenna had a servants heart of pure love and kindness - she did not have idle hands or heart and used them to help anyone she met in anyway she could. Showing up at some of your worst or hardest times in life. She wanted/needed to be helpful- to bring a smile, peace & joy into your life & she did. Her smile lit up a room- her laughter contagious - she was a beautiful soul -a flower spreading petals & seeds of joy, care, & love everywhere she went. Glenna was just pure love.
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Kim Gossett
February 2, 2025
I´ve always believed that God brings people/opportunities into your life for a reason- either a lesson or a blessing - after meeting my Jayson on a blind date in 1975 I was introduced to the Gossett family. Jay & Betty Gossett - solid, Kind, warm, & patient - a true blessing. Glenna and Gretta were born early weighing just a bit over 2# when Gretchen was only 8-1/2 months old (Irish triplets)- Jayson 13 months later - 4 babies in 23 months - my mother-in-law had her hands full to say the least but also had great patience and grace. Joined by Jerry (whom we lost in January 2023) and little brother, Jeff, she was living her dream. The 6 pack (3 girls & 3 boys) they were a unit - they moved as one- I was fully & graciously accepted into that unit as a daughter and sister- Sweet Glenna had a servants heart of pure love and kindness - she did not have idle hands or heart and used them to help anyone she met in anyway she could. Showing up at some of your worst or hardest times in life. She wanted/needed to be helpful- to bring a smile, peace & joy into your life & she did. Her smile lit up a room- her laughter contagious - she was a beautiful soul -a flower spreading petals & seeds of joy, care, & love everywhere she went. Glenna was just pure love.
Karlos Bledsoe Sr.
January 14, 2025
My deepest, deepest condolences. I just found out today about Glenna's passing and am so, so, so saddened. Such a bright, fun, engaging, wonderful trusting, and caring person. We worked together at A-B and she was and will always be a dear friend.
When I first met her we happened to be seated next to each other with about 8 others at some A-B event and she gently sent back the meal that was served her. She politely informed the waiter and they took her plate. While she was patiently waiting I asked her if everything was ok and she said she was vegan. I replied, "Oh, that's cool. I'm an omnivore." Glenna laughed and laughed till tears were in her eyes. We went on to get to know each other and mentor each other over the years.
I miss her dearly.
Frankie Fontana
January 11, 2025
My Dad (Dr. Frank Fontana O.D.'s) Favorite Patients
Neerja Kathuria
January 4, 2025
It´s truly hard to believe that my dear friend Glenna is no longer with us. I can still vividly recall our last text exchange, in which we wished each other a happy New Year for 2024. It feels surreal to realize that was our final conversation, at the same time as now. Over the past month, I had intended to reach out to her, and now I´m overwhelmed with regret for not doing so sooner. I was dealing with my own cancer diagnosis and treatment from late 2022 to mid-2023 and didn´t want to burden her with my news. It´s ironic that she may have been trying to protect me from her own similar challenges.
Glenna was the quintessential salt-of-the-earth friend-an authentic and genuine soul. She was the kind of friend that everyone hopes to find. From the moment I joined the group she was in at Anheuser-Busch in 1999, I felt an instant connection with her. Her compassion and warmth shone through, and she quickly became a confidant and a treasured friend. Even after my move to Maryland in 2006, our friendship remained strong as we shared countless conversations and laughs about life, our pets, work, and everything in between. I´ll always treasure the thoughtful care package she sent for my two cats when I relocated to New York in 2022; it was just one of the many ways she expressed her kindness and thoughtfulness.
The news of Glenna´s unexpected passing has left me heartbroken. The absence of the opportunity to say goodbye is profoundly painful. Yet, I take solace in the thought that she is now among the angels, finding peace. She truly made the world a better place with her kindness, compassion, and infectious humor.
Glenna, I will miss you deeply. You will forever hold a cherished place in my heart.
Forrest Claypool
January 2, 2025
Glenna was a writer and co-editor with me on our high school newspaper. We liked to fight about ideas and copy. She was a gem. A ferocious advocate. Smart and kind. I am so sorry to hear of her illness and passing.
Diane Burnell
January 1, 2025
So sad to read of Glenna´s passing. Before I left AB, Glenna and I kept discussing the name I should use for my jewelry business. She came up with it and I used it until I closed my business at the end of 2017....J2Di4. Jewelry to die for! Thanks Glenna! Everyone who has a piece of my jewelry knew the name! RIP sweet friend.
Cathy Ebbesmeyer
December 31, 2024
Glenna was there when I raised my hand to exit Anheuser-Busch, introducing me to Go Network and encouraging me to push forward. I know she is in a better place now surrounded by her feline family and her human family smiling again.
Janet Hanewinkel
December 31, 2024
I'm heartbroken. Glenna was always such a good friend to me. She was a regular at my annual cookie exchange, made all the appetizers the year I had a broken arm and even made vegan cookies one year! She and Jerry always came through for the Cheeseball Toss event at the annual APA Canine Carnival. I will miss Glenna's big heart.
Gretchen Davis
December 31, 2024
I hated talking on the phone, but Glenna insisted we communicate by phone, and so we would talk. We would talk for hours. She had so much to say. We shared a similar career path, and both of us loved our kitties, so there was no shortage of things to say. I will miss those conversations most of all. Not only did I lose my sister, but I also lost my best friend. Rest in peace, Glenna, knowing you made this world a better place. I love you and miss you more than you know.
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