Gladys McLish Perry

December 14, 1953 - July 30, 2025

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend

MAURICE — It is with deep sorrow and eternal love that we announce the passing of Gladys McLish Perry, age 71, of Maurice, Louisiana, who entered eternal rest on July 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on December 14, 1953, in New Iberia, Louisiana, Gladys was the daughter of Mildred Richeson and was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather, Grady Richeson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister and best friend, Edith Delcambre, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond.
A lifelong Catholic, Gladys was a proud graduate of Mount Carmel Academy in New Iberia, where she excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Known affectionately by her teammates as “Swish McLish,” she helped lead the Mount Carmel Cubs to a state championship—a memory she cherished her whole life. Her love for athletics endured into adulthood, as she ran numerous marathons, a true reflection of her strength and determination.
Gladys began her professional career in banking and worked for many years before retiring from Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors, where she was respected for her dedication and professionalism.
Gladys is survived by her husband, Peter Perry, of Maurice, Louisiana, who was her constant source of strength and love. She is also survived by her two daughters, Shelly Kern (Jim) and Paige Bayliss (Roger), whom she raised with endless love, guidance, and pride. She also embraced a beautifully blended family and is survived by: Amy McConway (Barry), Virginia Robinson (Michael), and Annie Carmichael as well as her beloved grandchildren: Keyan Bayliss, Gwen Bayliss, Liam Robinson, Lila Robinson, Arran Carmichael, and Garrett Atkins.
Gladys was known for her incredible cooking and found great joy in feeding others—whether family, friend, or stranger. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and comfort. She never met a stranger and gave of herself freely and unselfishly, always putting the needs of others before her own. She inspired many throughout her life, including her Godchild, Jennifer Delcambre, nephew Brendan Delcambre and his family, who all held a special place in her heart. She also treasured the close friendships she cultivated over the years, which brought her much joy and companionship.
She cherished her pets deeply, including her two loyal dogs Dixie and Lassie, and her affectionate cat Moo, all of whom brought her great comfort and companionship over the years.
Gladys was also blessed with a deeply caring presence in her final season of life—her devoted caregiver Joanne, whose kindness and compassion meant the world to both Gladys and her family. In addition, the family is forever grateful to Southern Grace Hospice, whose professional care and heartfelt support provided comfort and dignity in her final days.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice, LA with interment to follow at St. Alphonsus cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Cypress Funeral Home in Maurice, LA. Services will be held at a later date.
Gladys’ legacy of strength, compassion, and joy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a radiant example of love in action—a light that will never fade.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
— John 12:46
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.