Gladys D. Flanders, 81, died March 20, 2011 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH after a courageous battle with Parkinson's. Gladys, a daughter of Carroll and Bernice (Lambert) Dickinson, was born August 28, 1929 in Hanover, NH and was a member of the Hanover High School Class of 1948. She married Paul C. Flanders of Lebanon, NH, in 1948, and they began their family shortly after that.

Gladys worked very hard and lived a very productive and active life, traveling all over the world and spending a number of winters in the Ft. Myers area of Florida. She loved cooking for and spending time with her family, and was known locally for her baking; especially her raised doughnuts and whoopie pies. She was also very fond of combing the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands for unique shells and just enjoying the serenity of the ocean. While she was an accomplished cook and reveled in planning, preparing and serving lavish home cooked meals, she would always agree to a meal out, letting someone else do the cooking for a change.

Gladys is survived by her husband of 62 years, Paul, of Fairlee, along with her children, Jeannie, of Fairlee, Ted and his wife Linda of North Haverhill, NH; and James and his wife Eloisa of Fairlee. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Kelli and husband Billy, their daughter Sophia; Shannon and wife Melissa, their son Andrew; Kate and son Cameron; and Kim and children Isaiah, Micah, and Lauren; brother Calvin Dickinson, sisters Hazel Henderson and Nina Clark, along with many nieces and nephews. Gladys also leaves behind her special caregiver, Sheri Thurston, who insured that Gladys was always comfortable and helped to keep a positive attitude, even when Gladys was having a particularly rough day. Gladys would not want us to forget to mention Cookie, her loving canine companion and constant provider of comfort.

Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, VT has been entrusted with arrangements. There will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In Lieu of flowers and cards, Gladys asked that donations be made to further Parkinson's research: National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or The Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10,Enfield, NH 03748.