Obituary of Gladys L. Napier

Gladys L. Napier, of Rochester, NY passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, August 12th, at the young age of 93. Her Jewish name was Geishi Lei.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Abe Dresner and Rose Dresner (Zeblotsky); her husband, Allan Napier; and her three brothers Norman Dresner, Jacob Dresner, and Harold Dresner. She is survived by her son, Jeff Napier (Lynn); her daughter Amy Butler (Tom); her grandchildren Sarah Lenhart (Dave), Nicolas Butler (Roberta), and David Butler; and her kitty, Roy.

Gladys was originally born and raised in Utica, NY on November 11th, 1926. She attended Business training and worked in the clerical field after high school. She met her husband, a Korean War Veteran, at a USO dance. After being wed, they spent some time in California but eventually settled in Rochester to raise a family, where Gladys took over her new profession as a homemaker.

Her son owned his own bicycle shop in Rochester, then went on to pursue a career in computer programming. Her daughter is both a commercial artist and software engineer.

After the death of her husband in 2009, Gladys sold their house and moved to a high rise near her daughter, who enabled her to continue living an independent life all of her days.

She has been a long time member of Temple Emanu-El and Secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans USA, David J. Kaufman Post. She has joyfully attended the annual "Night To Honor Israel" (cancelled by Covid-19 this year) for over a decade. Gladys enjoyed sharing simple meals with family and friends. She loved collecting figurines and pictures of lighthouses; along with postcards from all over the world. She was very fond of cats and her final feline companion, Roy Roy, has become the newest member of the Butler Clowder. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Graveside Services were held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions are preferred to the Temple Emanu-El or Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans USA or David J. Kaufman Post #41 (PO Box 18184, Rochester, NY 1461).

Shiva will be observed at 21 Holden Street (near Port of Charlotte) on SUNDAY from 12 - 3 PM and on MONDAY & TUESDAY from 2 - 5 PM. Click HERE for map to the house of mourning. 

Gladys' Funeral Service will be live streamed on Friday at 2:00 PM. Click HERE to watch the funeral service.