Gladys Elizabeth Belke-Brillhart, 99

On Nov. 29, 2016, Gladys Elizabeth Belke–Brillhart, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away at home after living a full life and reaching the Golden Age of 99 years. Gladys lived at home with her daughter, Linda, and son-in-law Skip, who were her primary caregivers. Hospice of North Idaho provided Gladys with respectful, kind and loving support during these past 14 months. Gladys was always delighted to have them come to visit and care for her. Father Mariusz Majewski, pastor of St. Thomas Catholic Church, was a source of spiritual strength and comfort for Gladys.

Despite blindness, diminished hearing and weakening health, Gladys had a most positive outlook on life. She never complained about anything. She said the reason God had not called her to heaven sooner was because He still had work for her to do…and so she continued to faithfully pray for world peace, those in need and her loved ones.

Gladys was born in Sacramento, Calif., on Nov. 11, 1917. She was third eldest, and first daughter, of six children (four brothers, one sister) born to Louis and Elsie Belke. Gladys attended St. Francis Catholic Grammar School and, in 1935, she graduated high school from St. Joseph Academy. During high school, she was a member of the Junior Catholic Daughters of America. Gladys is also a graduate of Western Business School. During World War II, she helped at the USO in downtown Sacramento.

Gladys married Fredrick Benjamin Brillhart on April 14, 1951, and moved to San Francisco, Calif. Their first child, Linda, was born in January 1952 in San Francisco. A short time later, Fred, Gladys and their daughter relocated to Santa Monica, Calif. In September 1955, she gave birth to a son, Paul. The Brillhart family eventually settled in Downey, Calif. Gladys volunteered at her children’s grammar school in a variety of roles; playground monitor and crossing guard to name a few. She worked as an Avon representative for 27 1/2 years. What she loved most about being an Avon representative was the time spent with her clients. They were delighted to invite her into their homes not only to make purchases of Avon Products, but because she was a patient, kind and caring woman who truly listened to them.

Gladys was active in her church, St. Pius X Catholic Church, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. She was a member of the Sacred Heart League and the Madonna Guild. She attended retreats annually for 25 years at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, Calif. She was the driver for 3-4 of her friends who were unable to drive to the retreat. Gladys frequented daily Mass at her church; again driving friends to church. She prayed the rosary daily for peace in the world. She and her husband, Fred, belonged to an RV camping club, “The Weekenders.” They traveled all across the USA during their retirement years. In 2006, Gladys and Fred moved to Coeur d’Alene, to live with their daughter, Linda; her husband, Skip and their youngest daughter, Kristin. This move also brought them closer to their son, Dr. Paul Brillhart and his family (formerly of Post Falls, Idaho).

Gladys is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Elsie Belke; her brothers, Louis, Marion and Donald Belke; and her beloved husband of 56 years, Fred. She is survived by her children, Linda (Skip) Brandt of Coeur d’Alene and Paul (Kristy) Brillhart of New Zealand; four grandchildren, Andra (Mitch) Paz of Irvine, Calif., Lisa Brandt of Las Vegas, Nev., Kristin Brandt of Seattle, Wash., and Christian Brillhart of New Zealand; brother Kenneth (Joyce) Belke of Sacramento; sister Dolores Scott of Sacramento; 12 nieces and nephews; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the warm and caring physicians, nurses, social workers and staff of Hospice House/Hospice of North Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

A memorial Mass will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, with a brief reception to follow. Gladys will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sacramento at a later date.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gladys’ online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

Galatians 5:22-23 “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” As a child of God, Gladys’ life emulated these attributes. She embraced life with optimism, kindness and love.