Obituary for Gladys Lavarello
We regret to report the death of Marylin “Gladys” Anna Lavarello who passed away on 28th March 2025, aged 94 years. Gladys was born on 20th June 1930, the seventh and youngest child of Fred and Mary Repetto. She married Vivian “Lindsay” Lavarello on 27th September 1951 and they had three children, Judy, Rhoda and Hilary.
Gladys is remembered not only as a cherished mother and grandmother but also as a cornerstone of the Tristan community. Her warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength touched countless lives over the years. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—camping at the Patches with her grandchildren, fi shing along the beach, knitting socks, and attending Church with unwavering faith. These moments reflected her deep love for her family, her faith, and the island she called home.
Professionally and personally, Gladys dedicated her life to the wellbeing of others. She began her midwifery career by assisting her mother, Mary Swain, with local deliveries. In 1972, she travelled to St Helena to complete a formal midwifery course. Upon returning to Tristan, she delivered her fi rst baby, Larry Swain, on 13th June 1973. Gladys served the island faithfully as a midwife, continuing on a voluntary basis well beyond her official retirement at age 65. Incredibly, she assisted in the birth of her great-grandson, Ryan Swain, in 2007, at the age of 76.
In recognition of her outstanding service to the community, Gladys was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 2013.
Gladys is survived by her daughter Hilary Rogers and son-in-law Dereck Rogers, and her son-in-law Ken Green. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren: Martin Green, Vanessa Lavarello, Natasha Glass, Kirsty Repetto, Emma Swain, Geraldine Repetto, and Gerald Rogers—as well as their families.
Her legacy of compassion, resilience, and devotion to her island home will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her.