Gladys E. (Mahan) Longwell, 98, of Worcester died Friday, January 1st in Shrewsbury Nursing Home. Her husband of 64 years, Arthur I. Longwell died in 2003. She is survived by two sons, Ronald I. Longwell and his wife, Diane of Boynton Beach, FL and Malcom H. Longwell of Oxford; two daughters, Joan M. Beauchemin and her husband, Edward of Marlborough and Susan J. Longwell and her husband, J. Petrila of Rutland; and her sister, Betty P. McOwen of Tampa, FL; fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. As well as two sisters-in law, June Stewart of Biddeford, ME and Jean Mahan of Charlton and her dear friend Margie Donell of Worcester. She was predeceased by her son, Arthur R. Longwell; four brothers, Donald R., Richard L., George E. and Harold L. Mahan and her sister, Dorothy M. Grace.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Lloyd C. and Bessie E. (Stockwell) Mahan and attended South and Commerce High School before marrying the love of her life, Arthur. As a child, her parents would take their family on vacation to Basket Island, off the coast of Biddeford, ME. The trek would take five hours, often arriving after dark; then being rowed to the island for a week of rain barrel water, no electricity and high adventure. These early trips planted the seeds of a lifetime love of Biddeford Pool, Maine. She and Arthur's annual vacation consisted of two weeks on Hills Beach often joined by the other Mahan families and cousins, the Heebners. The tightly knit group would frequently reunite during the year, creating a lifetime of memories.
As a homemaker, Gladys was the best; caring for five children and for several years working as the accountant for the family moving business, yet had the ability to find time for cooking , teaching herself to play the piano as well enjoying guitar lessons taught by her husband. Her creativity was expressed through the beautiful cakes and pastries she made regularly, as well as her children's wedding cakes. This was her magic, family and friends were important to her, welcoming all enthusiastically to her home. Gladys always said, "never say good-bye...we'll see you later". The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Notre Dame Hospice and Shrewsbury Nursing Home for their outstanding compassionate care, lovingly delivered, especially noteworthy given the stressful challenges they face daily due to COVID-19.
Her funeral will be held Thursday, January 7th with a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours which will be limited to family members and relatives due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue.