Gladys Tiedemann

TIEDEMANN, GLADYS KAUTZ Gladys Kautz Tiedemann, of North Haven, died peacefully on June 24, 2014. She was born on September 6, 1926, to the late Charles and Margaret Kautz. She was the wife of the late Henry A. Tiedemann, Jr. She is survived by her children, Dawn Tiedemann of Hamden, CT, Henry Tiedemann (Kathy) of Southborough, MA, Carol Wood (Tom) of Hansville, WA, Jon Tiedemann (Jody) of Southborough MA, Bruce Tiedemann (Mary) of Upton, MA, and Gayle Tiedemann-Grillo (Ralph) of North Haven, CT. She is survived by nine grandchildren: Daniel, Charles, Sarah, Allyson, Katie, Gwendolyn, Jonathan, Lindsey and Jessica. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved sister, Lillian Lavanway. After graduating from New Haven State Teachers College, Gladys taught in East Hartford, Hamden and New Haven school systems. She was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Haven, having served on Council and as Council President. After her late husband was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease, Gladys initiated the expansion of the Parkinson Enlightment Program (PEP) support group of Greater New Haven. She traveled around the state to assist in establishing support groups throughout Connecticut. She sought affiliation with the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and became the first volunteer President of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association which she held for 29 years, overseeing Chapter and support group activities, as well as holding caregiver support group sessions, community and education programs, offered continual telephone client reassurance, and chaired numerous fundraising events including annual walk-a-thons. She was involved with establishing the Information and Referral Center in New Haven at Saint Raphael’s Hospital. Gladys was instrumental in establishing Parkinson Fitness programs, and Lifeline and respite care subsidies. She also held the volunteer positions of APDA Northeast Regional Representative and National Board Member. In 1997, she won the APDA Salvatore & Elena Esposito Award when she was honored as National Volunteer of the Year. She also volunteered at St. Raphael’s in the Pastoral Care Department. While caring for her children, she was the first woman to be recognized as Woman of the Year by the Hamden/North Haven Womens Club. She was a strong and supportive mother, aunt, and grandmother to her family. The family would like to express their appreciation to Mrs. Donna Diaz for her friendship, care and love for Gladys over many years of working together to “ease the burden and find the cure” for Parkinsons. The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides at Hamden Health Care for their special attention and care for Gladys during her stay. Calling hours are Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 8:30 - 10:00 am at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. A Service of Remembrance will follow at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice in Gladys' memory.