Gladys E. Burdick, 93 of Derry, NH and Windham, NH passed away quietly after a period of decline at Salemhaven Nursing Center. Gladys was born on July 19, 1928, the daughter of William Hessenius, Sr. and Henrietta (Scott) Hessenius, on the family farm in Derry. Gladys was a Pinkerton Academy Alumnus. She married Leander W. Burdick, Jr. after he returned from WWII in 1946.
Gladys was a kind, compassionate person who gave her time tirelessly to help others. Her sense of humor was remarkable and her home was always open for her family and friends who dropped in. Often, she would be preparing dinner for the family but ended up feeding 8-10 for those who casually dropped in. The house frequently had the aroma of baking bread or pies.
Gladys spent her summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, fishing, exploring, and socializing with family and friends. At home, Gladys took her grandchildren on nature walks and bird watching. She spent much time cheering them on at sporting and dance events and theatrical performances. Her open heart and kind spirit made her a loving figure to all she encountered.
In her life Gladys was involved and held office as the State President of the NH Letter Carriers Auxiliary, and the Pythian Sisters. She was active in the PTA, a Girl Scout leader, she helped to organize The Labor Day Festival, Nutfield 250th Anniversary, The Spacetown Cadets, and Kingston Crusaders. She was a founding Board member of the Community Caregivers of Greater Derry and served on the Vestry of her beloved Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Derry where she was a life-long parishioner.
Gladys served as the Food Service Director of the Derry Cooperative School District from 1977 until her retirement in 1993. Prior to that she served as a “Lunch Lady” from 1968 until 1977.
Gladys is survived by her son and daughter in law, Dennis and Martha Burdick of Derry, and daughter Lorrie and son in law Glen Belinsky also of Derry. She leaves behind her three loving grandchildren; Shaun Burdick of Los Angeles, CA, Christina Belinsky and her partner Timothy Learned of Andover, ME, and Kathryn Belinsky of Derry; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gladys was predeceased by her husband Lee in 1986, and her sisters Margaret Mason, Henrietta Low, Wilma Sciacca, and brother William Hessenius, Jr.
A calling hour will be held at the Church of the Transfiguration, 1 Hood Rd., Derry on Saturday, November 6th from 10:30AM with the service to follow at 11:30AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Community Caregivers of Greater Derry, 6 West Broadway, Unit 6, Derry, NH 03038 or NH Audubon Society, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH 03032. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is assisting the family with arrangements.