HOWSON GLADYS BREEN HOWSON, age 92, passed away on Friday, April 4th, at Judson Park Retirement Home in Cleveland, OH. She was born, December 26, 1921, the only child of Albert and Ada Newland Breen. She graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1939 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1943, receiving her Masters degree in 1944, Theta and Phi Beta Kappa. Married to Charles A. Hill, she had two daughters, Judith Elaine and Shirley Diane. In 1976, she married Robert Charles Howson, Sr., who passed away two months ago. They traveled to all seven continents and over 100 countries in their 38 years together. A lifelong Methodist, Gladys combined her love for the church and travel by teaching and leading programs and schools about missions around the world. She was part of Church of the Saviour for 75 years and board member and president of many church and civic organizations, such as Church Women United of Ohio, West Side Community House, and The College Club. A student of the world, she was fascinated with current events, world affairs and active in the League of Women Voters, a precinct judge for elections and founder of the Cleveland committee for Unicef. Active until her late 80's, she and Bob danced, played bridge, and enjoyed Cleveland's cultural events, exhibits and theatre. Bob's loyal and constant care for her was evidenced especially in their last few years together. Gladys is survived by her daughters, Judith Hill (David) Rickey, and Shirley Hill (Jim Tietjen) and grandson, Clay Michael Tietjen all of San Antonio, TX. She was the dear step-mother of Holly Howson (Darrell) Dahlman of Mancungie, PA and Robert (Laura) Howson, Jr. of Twisp, WA. She was predeceased by her loving step-son David (wife Susan). She is also step-grandmother to Mark Puffer, Beckie Hoffman, Heather Bassole, Hilary Wise and David M. Howson. Those who wish may make contributions in her name to The Breen/Howson Fund in care of: Church of the Saviour, 2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, where a Celebration of Gladys' life will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2014. For additional information, directions and to sign the guestbook, please log online to: www.Brown-Forward.com Brown-Forward Service 216-752-1200

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Published by Cleveland.com from Apr. 6 to Apr. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for GLADYS HOWSON

Sponsored by The Family.

5 Entries

greater bilby

March 19, 2017

I was just viewing Gladys' family home movies that her Father, Albert Breen, filmed and expertly edited - beginning in 1929 in black & white and then in colour from 1935, apparently following their family right through to 1963. They are on Youtube on the US National Archives channel. Gladys is a delightful 8 year old in the video I'm watching at the moment. If you don't like YouTube (some people don't), some of Albert's home movies are featured at The National Archives' Unwritten History webpage. Here's a link to that page - https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2016/10/13/home-movie-day-2016-preserving-the-films-of-albert-m-breen/

I gather Gladys was a good friend and a remarkable and dynamic lady.

~~Rest In Peace~~

April 10, 2014

Gladys, a long time member of the Shaker Heights League of Women Voters, was one of our faithful observers a the Cuyahoga County Commissioners, together with other team members from the Cleveland and Cuyahoga Area. Her astute observations and write-ups were a piece of the transparency that eventually led to reform of County Government. What a smart, fun colleague she was! -- Lynda Mayer

Carolyn Newman

April 8, 2014

It was my privilege to know Gladys ever since I moved to Cleveland and joined the Theta alumni group in 1985. She was welcoming to me and when we discovered the OWU familial connection, that sealed the deal. I feel fortunate to have had Gladys a part of my life. My deepest sympathy to the family. Carolyn Newman

Laurie McGregor Connor

April 7, 2014

Gladys was such a loyal and devoted member of Kappa Alpha Theta and the Ohio Wesleyan communities. Despite our age difference, I always thought of her as a contemporary. She was up to date on many topics and always interested in what your activities were. Gladys was an inspiration.

E G

April 7, 2014

Gladys was blessed with 92 years of Special Mightiness"(Psalm 90:10)may your joyful memories help sustain you as you remember a life well lived.

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