Glenda Anne Perkins succumbed to ovarian cancer on January 6th after nearly a four year valiant struggle against the disease. She continued to exhibit her characteristic verve and exuberance for life throughout, as noted by her many new friends she met during her far too brief stint in Seattle. For her, family was the single most important aspect of her daily existence.
Glenda was born in Akron, Ohio on February 26, 1947. She grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, where she met her future husband, Greg, when she was in the first grade. They were married for forty one years, and have one son Sean who is an attorney residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to moving to Seattle, the couple lived in Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina ( Sean’s birthplace ), New Jersey, and Georgia.
She had Masters Degrees in education from Indiana University and the University of North Carolina. Outside the home after her son was grown, she was a consummate educator, concentrating on the lower grades of elementary school in which she focuseded on reading instruction. She truly loved children, and this was reflected in her abilities and achievements in this endeavor.
Glenda’s basic motto was to live life to the fullest, and few days passed when she didn’t strive for and meet this objective. Equally important, she achieved a remarkably high batting average in achieving her objective. She enjoyed reading, travel inclusive of all the continents ( exclusive of Antarctica ), and meeting interesting and unique people.
Glenda is survived by her husband, Greg Perkins, Seattle; a son, Sean Perkins, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; brother, Mark Gill, Denver, Colorado; mother, Bonnie Gill, Denver, Colorado; and sister-in-law, Toni Kubly, Tampa, Florida. She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Owen Gill, of Kokomo, Indiana. A memorial service will be held on a date as yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Marsha Rifkin Center for Cancer Research, Swedish Hospital.