Gladys Marie Durand (Depiesse), 86, passed away peacefully on the evening of Dec. 26th, 2022. She was born on Aug. 18, 1936, in the area of Dubuque and Beaver, rural northeast Barton County. She remained on the farm until graduating from Claflin High School in 1954.
Gladys was married on Oct. 10, 1959, to her husband JaDean “Jay” Durand at St. Catherine Catholic Church, Dubuque. They were married for over 63 years. Gladys and Jay had two daughters, Joni Kennedy of Great Bend, and Jacqueline Medina of Longmont, Colo.
Gladys will be remembered as a hard worker who managed her family responsibilities with a positive and caring attitude. She lived her life as a go-getter and loved making fun memories with family and friends. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in the garden and going on walks.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Theresa Depiesse (Schremmer) of Redwing, three brothers, LaVerne, Larry, and Marlin “Butch” Depiesse, and one grandchild, Austin Medina.
She is survived by her husband Jay Durand and their two daughters, Joni Kennedy and husband Kurt, and Jacqueline Medina. Also, her sister Geraldine Bieberle and brother Ed Depiesse. She leaves behind five grandchildren, Ryan Kennedy, Natalie Van Horn (Denton), Aimee Cazares (Denton), Brett Kennedy, and Anthony Medina, as well as three great-grandchildren, Claire, Conor, and Chani Kennedy. She cared for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.
A funeral Mass will be a 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Prakash Kola presiding.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend.