Gladys S. Vladyka

HAMPTON, N.Y. Mrs. Gladys S. Vladyka, 92, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, at her home in Hampton, N.Y., after a short illness. Mrs. Vladyka was born July 28, 1915, in Brandon, Vt., the daughter of Ernest and Ella (Shepard) Spencer. She attended schools in the Fair Haven area and graduated from Fair Haven High School in 1933. On June 6,1936, she married Mr. Harry Vladyka and together the couple owned and operated their family dairy farm in Hampton for many years. While helping with the daily operation of their farm, Gladys also worked various other jobs during her lifetime. She drove a school bus for the Whitehall school district for roughly 10 years. Later, she became employed for Fairview Orchards in Hampton in various capacities for close to 50 years. She was also active within her community, serving on the Board of Elections for the town of Hampton for 40 years and was one of the original co-founders of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary. Along with all her other duties, Gladys found time to work as an Avon representative and, throughout her career, won several awards as the top sales person within her district. She was a member of the First Congregational Church UCC of Fair Haven, a member of the Vestry Club, a teacher in the Sunday school program and a very dedicated volunteer of the church for various committees, especially with their church suppers. Gladys was a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 70 in Fair Haven along with holding numerous other chairs throughout her membership. Her enjoyments in life included gardening, mowing her lawn and especially her grandchildren. Survivors include her daughter, Jo-Anne Short of Hampton; her sister, Hazel Perry; her grandsons and their wives, William and Becky Short and Robert and Brenda Short, all of Hampton; her five greatgrandchildren and her one great-great-granddaughter and also by several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Harry Vladyka, who died May 27, 1998, and a brother, Walter Spencer. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main St., Fair Haven. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Immediately following the funeral service, Mrs. Vladyka's family will receive family and friends for continued fellowship at the Eureka Lodge, North Main Street, Fair Haven. Visiting hours for family and friends will be on Wednesday evening, Nov. 28, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Fraternal Service will be conducted by members of the Order of Eastern Star at 7:30 p.m.