Gladys June (Kern) Volkens

Gladys June (Kern) Volkens, 93, of Columbia, CT, wife of the late August C. Volkens, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 14, 2021. She was born at home in Queens, NY on June 20, 1927, the daughter of the late Valentine and Anna (Bolth) Kern.

Gladys graduated on June 26, 1945 from Woodrow Wilson Vocational High School in Queens, NY.  She was an apartment manager in Norman, Oklahoma in the mid and late 1970's before moving to Connecticut in 1978, where she was a receptionist for NEAC in Willimantic, and for the Wellness Center in Storrs in the 1980s and 90's. Gladys was also a volunteer at the Windham Hospital, until she retired in 1997.  She enjoyed traveling the southern and western states in the family camper, crabbing and fishing with her husband, reading, watching old black and white movies, playing the organ, and crocheting blankets and Christmas stockings. The children would like to say a big Thank you to the staff of the Hospital of Central Connecticut for the exceptional care of our mother in her final days. She is going to be missed by family and friends.

Gladys is survived by her son Augie and his wife Kimberly Volkens, of Milford CT, and her daughter Gladys and her husband Christopher Barros of Columbia CT; grandchildren, John, Regina, Raymond, Blake, Ashley, Nicholas, Heather, and Yvonne; great grandchildren, Noah, Patrick, Kira Rae, Brittney, and Billy. She was predeceased by her children Janet, Philip, and Raymond. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donation to Save The Children or Hospice. Gladys’ family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, with her funeral service will begin at 3:00pm.  Burial will be held in the spring. 

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