Obituary: Ann M. Glodowski

Ann M. Glodowski passed away on May 19, 2011, after an extended illness. She was born May 4, 1918, in Hansen, Idaho, to Ella Meier Pledger and George Edmund Pledger. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Clarence A. Glodowski, as well as her five siblings: Henrietta, Betty, Bud, Bill, and Fred. She is survived by her four children, Patricia Skeehan (Richard), Dan Glodowski (Antonetta) Steve Glodowski (Roy) and Peggy Glodowski Manes (Jay Dilworth); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her special friends Annie and Lena, and numerous other friends she made during her nine years at Classic Residence in Reno.

In 1937, Ann earned her teaching certificate from Albion State Normal School. At the age of 19 she began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Idaho. In 1942 she moved to Tacoma to work as an aircraft parts distributor at McChord Field and to be near her fiance Clancy, a Liberty Ship welder she had met on a blind date in Idaho. They were married on March 13, 1943. In 1945 they returned to Jerome, Idaho, where Clancy worked as bookkeeper/manager for a furniture store. The whole family worked in Clancy's vegetable garden and sold the produce to help make ends meet. Ann also began teaching again. In 1963, when the family relocated to Tonopah, she worked as a substitute teacher in the local schools. In 1968, after another family move to Carson City, Ann began a long career with the State of Nevada. She continued her education, earning her associate of arts degree at the age of 78. She was the oldest graduate of Western Nevada Community College. Her autobiography, which began as a class project, became a treasured gift for her family.

In her youth, she was called "Sunshine" by her school friends. She was "Pocket Grandma" to some of her grandchildren, and "Little Mom" to her son-in-law, Jay. She had a special place in her heart for children, and she applauded learning at every level. One of her last happy events was seeing her grandson, David, in his medical school graduation garb. Tiny, resilient, possessed of a luminous intellect and a wicked sense of humor, she has left an empty space in the lives of her family and friends. There was no one like her. Those who wish to honor her memory are requested to make a donation in her name to the public or private school, scholarship fund, or educational foundation of their choice.

The family invites you to share a thought, memory, or condolence message in the obituary guestbook at the website www.rgj.com.