One of Wagga’s oldest residents has died aged 102.
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Gladys Growden, a Riverina rice farming pioneer, loved to sing and was known for sharing her beautiful voice at Settlers Village, belting out old standards like Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Connie Francis’ Together.
Settlers Village manager Steve McCrea said Mrs Growden would be missed by the staff and her many friends.
“Gladys always had a smile on her face… a true gentle treasure with a lovely nature and a beautiful signing voice,” Mr McCrea said.
“She moved into Settlers Village in 2005 and enjoyed living independently in the village until reaching the age of 98 (when) she thought it best to move into the apartments and be looked after. Gladys enjoyed 4 more years with us, always singing along at the happy hours.”
Mrs Growden was born in South Australia and in her younger years worked as a drover, before moving to Coleambally with her husband, Roy, in the early ’60s. She was a loving mother and mother in-law to Ron and Margaret (deceased, Coleambally); adored “Little Nan” of Julie, Yutaka, Sharon and Dan and loving “Great Little Nan” of Mya, Kye and Jasper.
A service to celebrate Gladys’ life will be held in the Wagga Crematorium Chapel at 10am on Friday, December 8. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.