In Memoriam – Gladys Powers
FLORENCE, MA — Gladys Ann Chandler Powers, 91, passed away on February 6, 2025. Gladys was born on March 19, 1933 in the family home in Northampton to Mary (Sokolowski) and George F. Chandler.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Jean Halloran, Eleanor Grolimund, Elizabeth Jezyk, her twin brother George Chandler, her husband of 31 years David Powers, husband of 16 years Henry Perras, daughter Margaret (Peggy) Gully and son David S. Powers and son-in-law Charles Sommer.
Gladys is survived by her brothers Robert (Diane) Chandler, Richard (Mary) Chandler, daughter Patricia Powers, son Joseph (Marlene) Powers, daughter Paula (Phillip) Bogue, daughter in law Manee Powers, son in law Joseph Gully, eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gladys lived the majority of her life in Northampton, and was an active member of the community. She was a troop leader in the girl scouts, member of the Baystate Civic Association, the Hampshire Choral Society, the Polish American Society. She was an active parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church and subsequently Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish as CCD teacher, choir member, cantor and director for many years of the annual Christmas pageant.
Gladys attended UMass Amherst, obtaining a Masters degree in Special Education. She taught in the Northampton School system for the majority of her professional career at Jackson Street and Vernon Elementary schools. After retiring from teaching, she had a part time job at Big Y in Northampton, as a product demonstrator. She loved it as she got to talk to everyone she knew in town.
Gladys had many interests such as gardening, painting, sewing and attending antique auctions. Singing, however, was her passion, whether performing shows for the summer residents in Laurel Park as a child, singing in musical productions as a young adult or participating in choirs throughout her lifetime. Singing brought joy to her life and to the people who heard her voice.
Gladys was a loving and kind human being who always saw the best in everyone. Her generous loving spirit will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
Relatives and Friends may gather for a Funeral Mass for Gladys at Annunciation Church, 85 Beacon St., Florence, MA. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Donations in her memory may be made to Northampton Survival Center 265 Prospect St. Northampton, MA 01060, northamptonsurvival. org
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