MEDWAY: Gladys M. Jacobs

A Medway resident for many years...

Gladys M Jacobs, 90, of Walpole MA passed peacefully on Tuesday July 28, 2025 of complications from congestive heart failure. Born in Norwood to John Idman and Annie Johnson, per family legend at the Runenberg Hall in the “Swedeville” area of Norwood. Gladys was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She grew up enjoying the dances and social activities at the hall now known as Workmen’s Hall where she met her husband Allen “Jake” Jacobs.

Gladys grew up in Walpole and loved having her family nearby. Some of her favorite memories were of walking to the Aggie Pond to fish or go sledding. Gladys enjoyed the excitement of traveling to Boston with the Walpole High School chorus to perform with the Boston Pops. A gifted student, she was offered a scholarship to Bentley College in accounting, though she chose marriage and motherhood. Gladys was always curious about the world and interested in learning new things. She loved seeing photos on Instagram! In her retirement, Gladys enjoyed many trips with Don Bukis to New Hampshire for the Fryeburg Fair, visiting friends in Florida, trips to both Hawaii and Alaska, and to the western National Parks.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Allen “Jake” Jacobs in 1993. She is survived by her three children, John Jacobs (wife Debbie), Cindy Berube (Husband Richard deceased), and Scott Jacobs. Gladys adored her 8 grandchildren Kevin Jacobs, Michael Berube (Wife Miranda), Lisa Berube, Kendra Hopkins (Husband Rick), Nicholas Jacobs (Wife Hana), Lindsey Jacobs, Daniel Jacobs (Wife Aiden), Justin Jacobs, and her 8 great grandchildren Hailey, Faith, Rocky, Zakk, Reed, Jace, Emerson, and River. Gladys was the loving sister to Rugnar Idman (deceased), Bernard Idman, Irene Poirier, Roy Idman and their families.

Gladys loved, and was loved by Don Bukis of Medway, her fiancé companion of 29 years, who passed away in 2024. Don’s children, Brian (deceased), Kevin, Diane, & Dawn their spouses (Tricia, Karen, John) and grandchildren (Beth, Kath (husband Andy) Joe (wife Ally) Nick (wife Rachel), Ryan, Padraic, Brian and great grandchildren (Emmy and Bridget) adopted her as their own “Glady grandmom.”Gladys calm presence and spirit of acceptance was a gift to all who were in her orbit.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday morning from 11-1 at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery Walpole, family and friends are welcome.