Gladys (Schneider) Weiss, 86, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on the evening of Feb. 11.
Gladys was born on Aug. 17, 1937, in Montville, New Jersey. She was the second of Sidney and Fannie Schneider’s four children.
Gladys grew up on farmland in Pine Brook, New Jersey, where she prided herself on her expert strawberry and tomato picking skills. She displayed an early aptitude for learning, eventually becoming the first member of her family to attend both high school and college, matriculating to Fairleigh Dickinson University. It was at this time that Gladys identified what would become her lifelong career — while at a career fair, she determined that entering the new field of dental hygiene would be a good fit.
Gladys’ life changed in 1956 when she met Howard Weiss, an Air Force serviceman and fellow student at Fairleigh Dickinson. After spotting Gladys on campus, Howard waited several hours outside the university registration building to ask his newfound crush out on a date. Howard always remarked that he was instantly drawn to her beautiful smile, and on their first date he found himself smitten when — after arriving to pick Gladys up at her parents’ house — he saw her through the front door window in a red dress twirling her baton (Gladys had been captain of the twirling team in high school). They immediately began to date in earnest, and, upon receiving acceptance to the University of Buffalo for a master’s program, Howard said he would not depart without Gladys. They were married just 10 days later in her parents’ backyard.
In the years that followed, Gladys worked as a dental hygienist and explored Buffalo, intrigued by the city’s diverse communities. She maintained her willingness to travel and adventurous nature when the two moved to Chicago, Illinois, for Howard’s post graduate job.
Chicago was an exciting time for Gladys as she and Howard began to grow their family. The two welcomed daughters: Halene, followed by Julie.
Gladys continued working as a dental hygienist, even when Howard’s work took them to Kansas City. Her career spanned more than 45 years, demonstrating not only her stellar work ethic but also her gentle yet engaging personality. Commonly, current and former patients would greet Gladys with a hug when they saw her around Kansas City — quick to let her know that she was the best hygienist they ever had.
Beyond her family, Gladys’ great love was animals of all shapes and sizes. She was always happy to give dogs, turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs and parakeets a home, and prioritized adopting rescues. Her care for all creatures knew no bounds — she once found a wounded chicken caught in barbed wire that she nursed back to health, and the family counted it as a pet for a year after.
Those who knew Gladys were keenly aware of her talent for treasure hunting. She had a sharp eye and a knack for collecting timeless jewelry and art. She loved to pack her kids in the car and head off to auctions, flea markets and antique stores, and she maintained several booths at antique marts.
Of course, Gladys’ greatest joy was her family. She loved her daughters and grandchildren, seizing every opportunity she had to spend time with them and listen in on their adventures. She shared with her family the same smile that had captured Howard’s heart so many years earlier and brought her biting sense of humor to every gathering. Among the greatest gifts she gave to her children and grandchildren was her perspective — a rare ability to know when things were being taken too seriously, and when not enough.
Gladys was, above all else, a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters Halene (“Hali”) Smith and her partner Todd Miller of Overland Park, Kansas, and Julie Ellis and her husband Tim Sullivan of O’Fallon, Missouri; grandchildren, Danielle Ellis of St. Louis, Missouri; Caleb Ellis and fiancée Molly McGreavy of Brooklyn, New York; and Sydney Rose Ellis of Washington D.C.; and sister Elaine Fisvitz and her husband Alan Fisvitz.
Private graveside services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to either the KC Pet Project (kcpetproject.org/donate) or to Wayside Waifs (waysidewaifs.org/donate), both no-kill rescue and adoption centers that share Gladys’ absolute love of animals.
Those wishing to express condolences may visit the home of Hali Smith from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25. Please call Louis Memorial Chapel for further information.
