Gladys Ellen Wren

Gladys Ellen Wren, born September 16, 1949, died May 1, 2017. She is survived by two sisters, Martha Wren and Tina Holston, and one nephew, Abraham Holston.

Soon after her birth, Gladys was found to have Down Syndrome, and her family was advised to place her in Sonoma State Hospital, as services for her level of disability were not well established in the community. She did well there through the years, including participating in a polio study, learning to walk and communicate well, attending school for several years. She had a good social experience, including dancing, boyfriends, participating in several college teacher projects, and enjoyed the company of many friends who also lived in the Sonoma State Hospital community.

When the laws in California changed, she was evaluated as high functioning and could be placed in a group home. She also did well in this environment, living with one to four other clients in the Sonoma area and enjoyed many wonderful activities for the disabled, including the big one, Becoming Independent-Sonoma, where she participated in art projects and produced some beautiful abstract watercolor paintings. In addition, she participated in the Special Olympics and won four bronze medals for her efforts.

Lastly, she was an employee at Mary’s Pizza Shack with other capable workmates and learned to fill salt and pepper shakers and arrange napkins on the tables.

Gladys loved attention, especially during her birthdays and Christmas. She could be quite a “ham” when she knew she was the center of attention. She also enjoyed the company of men, and had at least two boyfriends she danced with regularly at the monthly dances. Her favorite songs were “Happy Birthday” (especially to her), “Karma Cameleon,” and “Jingle Bells.” She loved to eat, especially chocolate ice cream and white cake, but also hamburgers, french fries, and cokes. She enjoyed monthly visits from her family from the time she could barely sit up, with trips to the Russian River and picnics in Sonoma Park, feeding the ducks. She also loved to shop and usually insisted on getting “two” of whatever she picked out. She had a persistent way that was hard to deny. It was fun to sit and drink a beer with her during dinner when she was legally old enough to imbibe. She loved music and loved to dance and sing to her favorite tunes. When her mental and physical abilities declined, she continued to enjoy her time at BI Sonoma with Julie Danner and other wonderful staff, and also at her homes with her loving caretakers through the years: Wanda and Art, Marlene and Steve, and lastly Ryan.

Her last 4 years were spent in Pacific Grove at Cypress Ridge Care Center, where she received much loving care from many of the caretakers there.She attended the activities provided by Howard and June but, toward the end, slept through many of them. She became like a little chubby buddha who never complained and smiled and sometimes spoke a few words, surprising everyone. When she did speak, she spoke with a certain authority. She had two faithful weekly visitors, Chris and Mary Moore, when family could not be there.

Gladys was mostly a sweet, happy, peaceful soul, a strong focus for our family, before our parents died and after. With our efforts to gather together for her, we kept our sense of family and of what is really important in the long run: unconditional love and acceptance.

We are planning a Celebration of Life on/near her September birthday. Her favorite cake and ice cream will be served. Please contact Tina Holston at 646-1903 if you would like to attend . You may visit Gladys’ memorial webpage at www.DuggansMissionChapel.com. Thanks to all who helped Gladys have a happy, joyful life.

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