Obituary of Gladys Marie Perella

Gladys Marie Perella passed away on February 9, 2014 at the age of 83. She was born in Garden City, Kansas, to Guy C. and Olive G. Corp on January 7, 1931. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy C. and Olive G. Corp. Her husband of nearly 62 years, Alfred (Al) Perella in 2012, son Alfred Jr. (Tony), sisters Ruby Corp, Doris Harwood, Wilma Owens, Janet Crosby and most recently her special sister-in-law, Olga Perella (PA) The family left Kansas in 1939 to make their way to Seattle and a new way of life. Later moving to Yakima only to move back some time later to Tacoma. It was then as a junior, she attended and subsequently graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949. She was the first in her family to do so. She met her only true love and soul mate, Alfred Perella while working at Woolworth's. They were both engaged and married on the same day, May 10, 1950. They welcomed their son Tony in October 1951 and daughter Maria in 1956. While raising a family the two of them began a successful construction firm (General Builders Inc.). She kept the office going as manager & bookkeeper. The family's world was rocked with the accidental death of their son in 1972. Their daughter's marriage and subsequent births of their grandsons brought renewed energy and joy, as did the great-grandchildren a generation later. They continued to work hard, retiring at the age of 50. They built their retirement home in Graham and enjoyed the peace the environment gave them. Together, they traveled some but truly loved being the best cheering grandparents at their grandsons sporting events. Later, Camden and Elise were their shining stars and could make their eyes sparkle. She was accomplished at many things. Crocheting, embroidery, sewing and could hold her own at the gun range. All of those hobbies faded in later years as health challenges increased. Reading, word find puzzles and family (mostly family) were the best things in life. Gladys (nickname-Butchie) is survived by her daughter Maria and her husband Steven Johnson. Grandson Daniel and his wife Audrey and their two beautiful children Camden and Elise and her grandson Andrew (Drew) and his wife Blair. Sister and brother, Barbara Howe and Guy L. Corp (Shirley) She also leaves brothers-in law, Rudy Perella (NY), Carmine Perella and Sister-in-law, Martha Perella (PA) in addition to numerous nieces & nephews. Rest in Peace. Your pain is no more. We will miss you but your life is a fine example to us all. Gladys' service will be held at 2:00 on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home. 5436 South Puget Sound Avenue, Tacoma, Washington 98409. Visitation will be available preceding the service. Followed by internment at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 - 70th Street West, Tacoma, Washington 98467