NEW BEDFORD — Gladys (Szczepan) Golden, age 94 years, of New Bedford, died Saturday, May 19, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Richard Ayers Golden.
A resident of this city for most of her life, she was born here, daughter of the late Walter and Victoria (Stykowski) Szczepan. In her earlier years she was employed by the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. and as a secretary in City Hall in Pawtucket, R.I.
A member of Grace Episcopal Church, she was active with SPOUTERS Theatre Group, the Westport Art Association, N.B. Garden Club, American Federation of Women, and the church Canterbury Club.
Her survivors include her daughter, Cynthia Hazell and her companion Ellsworth Chase of Dartmouth; her son, Richard Golden Jr. of New Bedford; sisters, Helena Kozlowski of Central Falls, R.I., Barbara Nichols of Cathedral City, Ca.; grandchildren, Charlton Hazell and his wife Cheryl of N.B., Heidi Cope and her fiance Eric Branco of Buzzards Bay, Aaron and his wife Jen of Acushnet; and great-grandchildren, Kevin Cope of Hollywood, Fla., Marissa Hazell of N.B., and Cole and Caden of Acushnet.
A private memorial service will take place in Grace Church Chapel for her family with private burial.
Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford.