Gladys Ouimette

Cottage Grove/Conway, Massachusetts——–Gladys Mae (Ives) Ouimette passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023. Gladys was born on July 6, 1933, in Hampden, MA, the daughter of Morton L. Ives and Merideth (Laird) Ives. She spent her early years in Southwick, MA, living on the Haas Farm where her dad worked as a hired hand raising chickens. Later the family moved to West Springfield, MA. Gladys graduated from West Springfield High School in 1952. On August 3, 1952, she married Richard (Dick) Ouimette. While living in West Springfield raising her family, Gladys enjoyed being a Cub Scout Den Mother, and, along with Dick belonged to a local candlepin bowling league where they participated in friendly competition. The couple moved to Conway, MA in 1969 to raise mink and continue Dick’s Plumbing and Heating business. While in Conway Gladys enjoyed belonging to the Fireman’s Auxiliary, the Garden Club and The Conway Quilting Club.
Gladys was employed by Kimball and Carey Oil Company in Northampton, MA. She also worked as the Assistant to the Director of Development at Deerfield Academy for fourteen years, retiring in 1997. After the couple retired, they moved to The Saddle Oak Retirement Community, Ocala FL, where they enjoyed participating in club events and putting on Holiday Celebrations. Gladys continued her quilting and took up painting, creating numerous masterpieces for family and friends. Gladys and Dick moved from Ocala, FL to the Assisted Living Community of Drumlin Reserve, located in Cottage Grove, WI in the fall of 2020. Gladys was predeceased by her brother, Lewis Ives, and granddaughter Liza K. Ouimette. She leaves behind her husband of 71 years Richard E. Ouimette, daughter Diane (Tom) Caron, Conway, MA, Sons Rick (Sharon) Ouimette, Marshall, WI, Ken (Cyndie) Ouimette, Conway, MA, and David (Nancy) Ouimette, Buford, GA. Gladys had 8 grandchildren Michael, Tracy, Craig, Keith, Bethany, Kendra, Hailee, and Brooke, along with several wonderful great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Gladys was one of the nicest people, who was proud of her family and enjoyed cooking and entertaining on holidays. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Drumlin Reserve and Agrace Hospice for all their support, comfort and exceptional care. A private family service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 at Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home with her burial planned later in Conway, MA. The family requests that memorials be made to Agrace Hospice in honor of Gladys. A mother is like a quilt- each one is beautiful and unique.