Gladys E. Pfender

Gladys Elaine Pfender, MSN, RN

Gladys Elaine Pfender of Levittown, PA passed away on December 26, 2020. She was 89 years old.

Gladys (known mostly by her middle name, Elaine, to family and friends) was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, her mother and father, Gladys and Oscar Iverson, and her brothers, Richard and Dan Iverson. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Ana Pfender (of Mechanicsburg, PA), her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Jackie Pfender (of Horsham, PA) and her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Kevin Furey (also of Levittown). She also leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Danica Pfender and Jackson Furey, two greatly loved step-grandchildren, Melissa Csencsitz and Jonathan Gulick and one beautiful step grand-daughter, Presley.

Born in Camden, NJ in 1931, Elaine attended Woodbury High School where she lettered in tennis and basketball. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and quickly made a career start working as a nurse supervisor at Pennsylvania Hospital. Following marriage, Elaine worked as an RN for two years at the Wiesbaden Air Base in Germany -- while her husband Walter was deployed there on active duty. Returning to the US, Elaine earned her Master’s degree in Nursing Education from the University of Pennsylvania and became a nursing instructor at Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. In 1972 she landed her dream job and became an Associate Professor of Nursing at Mercer County Community College where she worked the remainder of her professional career. Even in retirement, she continued her active involvement with her MCCC Professor Emeriti friends, cherishing the fellowship and thought-provoking conversations with fellow academicians. She shared many times that one of her greatest joys was having helped so many young men and women launch careers in the noble field of nursing.

Elaine had many hobbies and interests. She loved people, places and culture and travelled extensively on five continents. She enjoyed Hummel figurines, Christmas ornaments, dolls and coins and assembled impressive collections throughout her life. A life-long learner she could frequently be found reading, bird watching or maybe just planting flowers throughout her house or yard. She was an exceptional Pinochle player and always looked forward to spending Wednesday with her friends at the Bristol Senior Citizen’s Club. She loved dogs, especially Pugs, and occasionally spoke of her old friend, “Bam Bam.”  Most of all though, she enjoyed family time and she made a point to cook delicious Sunday dinners for the family every other weekend at her home in Levittown. She will be deeply missed.

The Pfenders will be receiving family and friends from 10 – 11 AM on Saturday, January 9th,  2021, at Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia at 13500 Philmont Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116. A memorial service will be offered at 11 AM followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Park at 333 W. County Line Rd., Feasterville, PA.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. You may also donate on-line at www.stjude.org.