Gladys Mae Poulsen

Gladys Mae Poulsen of Lenexa Kansas passed away on September 22nd. She was born in Emmitt, Idaho in 1931 to Chester and Mary Yarnell. The family moved to Portland, Oregon. She met her future husband Thomas Poulsen at Jefferson High School. After marrying in 1952, they made a series of moves across the country as Tom progressed though his degree programs and lecturing jobs until settling in Portland where he was eventually granted a professorship at Portland State University. They bought a 1902 farm house in Southwest Portland. While raising her family, Gladys developed a sophisticated garden on the property. When it came time to retire, Tom and Gladys chose to follow their son Robert and family to Lenexa, Kansas.

They were regular travelers all their lives, first to expose their kids to different cultures and support Tom's academic pursuits, followed by adventures to spice their retirement.

Gladys had a full and rewarding life. Tom and son Steven preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters Sarah Poulsen and Diana (Ted) Gruber, and son Robert (Karen) Poulsen, and grandchildren Anne, Arthur, Rita, Marcella, Sophia, and Matthew.