Glenda Carpenter Obituary

Glenda Jo (Gerrard) Carpenter, 85, of DeLeon Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at her home the afternoon of February 23, 2025.
Glenda was born on October 10, 1939, in Fullerton, Nebraska at her grandmother's home to the late Walter and Mary Gerrard. She was raised in Utah with her loving sister Jan Gerrard and her late brother Fred Gerrard. On August 18,1956, Glenda married the love of her life Charles Carpenter, known by family as Chuck/Pops or Poppy. They then moved to Florida to raise their family. Glenda and Chuck had four amazing children. Danny Charles Carpenter, Kenneth Wade Carpenter, Kim Marie Kreiselman and Michael Brett Carpenter. They were married for 48 wonderful years when sadly, her love Chuck, departed in May of 2004.
Besides being a devoted wife, mother, cherished sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, Glenda was a highly creative and artistic person. She loved playing her piano, sewing, baking, crafting, and reading. For many years, Glenda enjoyed volunteering at the hospital, working the voters' election polls and being an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, until her illness made it too difficult to continue doing so.
Family was at the heart of everything Glenda did. She built a legacy of love, traditions, and togetherness that will live on in all of us. Christmas was Glenda's favorite time of year. A two-day event the family looked forward to every year. It was Glenda's nature to playfully aggravate, which led the way to the creation of some of the family's comedic traditions. Whether it was the cold jar of jam, wrapped and regifted throughout the night; the suspense of who would be the recipient of the infamous rubber chicken gift; or her son Ken's commitment to play the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie; you were guaranteed to have some great and unforgettable belly laughs.
Glenda was an amazing woman. She was unconditionally self-less, generous, loving, funny, supportive, thoughtful, and very forgiving. She had a beautiful spirit and taught this family valuable life lessons.
Glenda was greeted at Heaven's door by her predeceased loved ones. Her loving husband of 48 years Charles; son Danny; son Kenneth; her parents Walter and Mary; and her brother Fred.
Forever remembered by her beloved daughter Kim Kreiselman and her husband Ray, who was more of another son to Glenda; Her dear son Michael Carpenter (Nicole), all whom will forever miss their mother's warmth and kindness; 4 cherished "Daughters of the Heart", Nicole Carpenter, Carol Ward, Julie Carpenter and Lee Carpenter; 12 grandchildren; Paula, Kenny, Brandon, Bradley, Aimee, Daniel, Michael, Zachary, Logan, MacKenzie, Brianna and Kylee. 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; devoted sister Jan Gerrard, who will miss their cherished time together, her niece and nephews and many friends.
To those she loves Glenda would say: When I am gone, just release me. Let me go so I can move into my afterglow. You mustn't tie me down with your tears- let's be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."
A private family viewing will take place at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home in DeLand on March 8, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM. A public viewing will follow from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the service commencing at 11:00 AM. A committal service will take place afterward at DeLand Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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