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Gladys Evelyn ReganPassing: July 31, 2023

Service:

Spring Mill Red Cross Shelter

Celebration of Life

Saturday, September 2nd @ 2:00pm

Visitation:

No Visitation

Cemetery:

Fairview Cemetery

Saturday, September 2nd @ 10:00am

BLOOMINGTON – Gladys Evans Regan, 82, of Bloomington, died peacefully Monday, July 31, 2023, at Majestic Care of Bloomington, surrounded by her loving family. 

Gladys was born October 29, 1940 in Campbellsburg, IN, the sixth of nine children born to the late Roy Moss Evans and Martha “Ellen” Temple Evans, well-known farmers in Washington and Orange Counties. 

Gladys was a 1958 graduate of Orleans High School.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1962 from Ball State University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1966 from University of Michigan.  As a pioneer in special education, Gladys was a respected educator, earning special education certifications in Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii and California.  She established the first special education program for Pearl Harbor Elementary School, Hawaii.  Gladys retired in 2001 as the Principal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Elementary School in Pacifica, California.  Her students and staff wore t-shirts printed “You’re our pot of gold, Mrs. Regan.”  Gladys’s varied interests included photography, traveling in her green van, exploring national parks, and boating.  A self-taught artist, her passion was painting and expressing the beauty of her experiences through pencils and oils on canvas. 

In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by five brothers, Harley Haskel, Gerald Lester (Rosalind), Dan Leland (Shirley), Cletis Ray (Rebecca), and Larry Alois (Linda); and three sisters Ethel Grace Evans, Edna Juanita (John) Bagley, and Carol Faye (Thomas) Erwin.

Surviving Gladys are her loving son Jason Roy Regan (Madonna), Redwood City, CA, and daughter Jennifer Marie Solari, Bloomington, IN, both of whom dedicated themselves to their mother’s care and comfort in her last years.  Also surviving are her Regan grandchildren Sky Christian, Los Angeles, CA; and Dakota King, San Francisco, CA; Canyon Evans, Millbrae, CA; and Sedona Rain, of New York City, NY; and her Solari grandchildren Amberly Grace, Steven William, and Shawn Marley all of Bloomington, IN; three sisters-in-law Shirley Lou Wilcox Evans (Dan) Kielhorn (Bud) and Rebecca Mae Parish (Cletis) Evans of Orleans, IN, and Linda Cox (Larry) Evans of Paoli, IN; cousin Betty Martin Jackson of Andover, MN; and eighteen nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to My Sister’s Closet, 414 S College Ave, Bloomington, IN  47403; Franklin Delano Roosevelt K-8 Parent-Teacher Assoc, 1200 Skyline Drive, Daly City, CA 94015; or Monroe County Special Olympics, 6180 N Bottom Rd, Bloomington, IN  47404.

Cremation has been chosen with graveside service 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 2 at Fairview Cemetery in Orleans with Rev. (Ret) Charles “Bud” Kielhorn officiating.  A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Spring Mill State Park, Red Cross Shelter, in Mitchell.

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10 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Natashia Gomez | Houston, Texas
    Date: August 9, 2023
    Who would have known that when I met Gladys in 1988-89, I would follow in her footsteps and become an educator myself. When I was 18, and new to California, I was lucky to meet the Regan family. At that time they lived in South San Francisco, and anyone who entered their home was treated like family. As the head of the family, Gladys instilled this value in her children- that people from all walks of life were welcomed with open arms. So her legacy will live forever in the homes of her children and grandchildren, who continue to share their hearts, their dinner tables, and artistic talents. Thank you Gladys!
  2. Guest: Kathy Sleva | Bedford, IN
    Date: August 8, 2023
    My deepest sympathies to Jennifer and the Solari kids as well as the Regan family members. Gladys made her contribution to my life through St. Vincent School, as she helped her daughter with her first graders. I know she was a steady mentor to Jennifer, as well as the rest of our staff. I have often quoted her saying, “If you rest, you RUST!” Typical of her great humor, and sage wisdom. God bless Gladys, and May He bring strength and peace to her family.
  3. Guest: Cherie N Holmes | Bedford
    Date: August 7, 2023
    Gladys was a very generous and kind woman. I enjoyed our Bible Studies together ❤
  4. Guest: Patsy A. Burke Harris | HOPE
    Date: August 5, 2023
    Dear Gladys' Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dearly loved one. We graduated from Orleans H.S. together in 1958, and loved visiting with her when she moved back to Indiana - the class get-togethers at her home were delightful. May your precious memories give you comfort and peace. Most sincerely, Patsy Burke Harris
  5. Guest: Kaya Pace | Mitchell, IN
    Date: August 5, 2023
    Your mom is a great lady. She is now painting in peace and tranquility. Prayers for you and your family.
  6. Guest: Sue Chastain Fleener | MITCHELL, IN
    Date: August 5, 2023
    Gladys will always be my friend. We played together, worked together, and graduated together from OHS in 1958. We could go 7-10 years without seeing each other and not miss a beat. We dreamed and prayed and sang and painted. We talked of God and sang of "flying away" and the "Blessed Assurance that Jesus is ours." She was my Hero and stood boldly at the River for that "touch of His Gentle Hand". I envied her spontaneity. Her babies have done her proud. Thank you and God keep you all, we pray. Like I told her Sunday, "Good night my dearest Sister and friend, I will see you in the morning."
  7. Guest: Diane Crowell | Madera, California
    Date: August 4, 2023
    She made such an impact in my life and children with special needs. She was a warrior and her sense of God and brotherhood could not be denied. She was a bright light on cloudy or foggy days. Will never forget her and the many memories we shared.
  8. Guest: Heidi Gillihan | Bedford Indiana
    Date: August 4, 2023
    Our family was lovingly blessed to know such a special lady. Her warm hugs, heartfelt smiles, and encouraging words were always abundant. Gladys was genuine, and her ability to connect with others was a beautiful testimony of her Authenticity. We always enjoyed listening to her real life experiences. Her wisdom and knowledge were par excellence! We Will greatly miss her sweet presence. Until we meet again ❤The Gillihan Family
  9. Guest: Pam Wallace | Daly City, CA
    Date: August 4, 2023
    Gladys was a respected educator, mentor and friend. She touched the lives and hearts of so many children and adults alike. I treasure the time I was part of her F.D.R. Elementary School family. Rest in Peace in Paradise Gladys. You are surely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
  10. Guest: Michael Lewis | Bethesda, Maryland
    Date: August 4, 2023
    I knew Miss Gladys through her thoughtful, kind, and strong son, Jason. Through his eyes, photos, and stories, Miss Gladys was a trailblazer in her achievements and altruist spirit, enjoyed life to its fullest, and cherished her family to the end. She left an lasting impact on thousands... Michael Lewis