Gladys Ione Cochran
December 23, 1927 ~ December 22, 2015
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Gladys I. Cochran, 87, of the Deerfield Retirement Community, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2015.
A native of Abbeville, SC, she was the daughter of the late Samuel A. and Leila Ellis Cochran. Gladys was a retired Lt. Col, serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Gladys is survived by nieces and nephews including Alfreida Mathias and Beth Gross
A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday in the Long Cane Cemetery in Abbeville, SC with military honors provided by the Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Gladys was kind and supportive of me all my life. She was a very caring person. Being her oldest Nephew, seems like we grew up together. She would always remind me she was 10 years older than me. Although we were not allowed to visit her during her past few years, She was always in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my DEAR AUNT GLADYS.
My name is Nancy Arcuri. I was one of Gladys Cochran’s caregivers (companions) at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community for the last 2 ½ years. We spent most Saturday and Sunday evenings together from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. We shared smiles, hugs, conversation, music, strolls & supper. When the weather was nice, she enjoyed going out into the Butterfly Garden at Deerfield, taking in the sunshine and beautiful flowers.
Inside the facility and throughout the halls, dining areas, and lounge areas of Deerfield hang gorgeous oversized color photography of western North Carolina on canvas. These were so wonderful for someone like Gladys who was a true nature lover. When watching TV or looking at magazines, she most enjoyed images of golf, nature, cats, dogs, birds and children playing. Sometimes we watched the fish in the aquarium while waiting for the dining room to open.
She shared a table in the dining room with three other residents and loved to ‘people watch’? while having her supper. Ever the compassionate nurse, she was concerned when she saw another resident in distress. She had a healthy appetite up until her recent death and especially loved her sweet iced tea and dessert. Her two favorite ice cream flavors were cappuccino crunch and chocolate. I never knew anyone who chewed her food so slowly and thoroughly, the way you’re supposed to! She could not be rushed.
She preferred an uncluttered bedroom with only a few things on her walls. She often received letters of acknowledgement from nurses associations and Veterans organizations, along with cards from family and friends. These were read to her by Deerfield staff and companion caregivers. There were a few special CDs she liked listening to. She enjoyed easy listening instrumentals of pop tunes, Christian music and patriotic tunes. Sometimes we went into the big chapel to see the seasonal flowers and large American Flag that always made her light up.
Her upbeat attitude despite her own challenging condition was inspiring to the entire staff at the facility, making her one of the most beloved residents. In the days & evenings leading up to her death, she had hospice companions and other volunteers standing by or sitting with her — soothing her, reading the Bible to her, stroking her hair and holding her hand.
It has been a bittersweet loss for all of us, wishing we could have had her with us longer, but knowing that she deserved to be lifted out of her pain and physical limitations. She will always be remembered for her generous smile, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful blue eyes. I will always love her and the profound effect that her friendship has had on my life.