Dowling Park, FL, Florida - It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our mother, Mrs. Phyllis L. Gladu, of Live Oak, FL, Lakeland, FL, and Orrington, who died peacefully in her sleep, Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Home in the Advent Christian Village of Dowling Park, FL. She is a part of each and every one of us; as she truly influenced us with her love, faith, respect and humor. Phyllis was born April 5, 1928, in Portland, ME. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, John "Jack" A. Gladu; her parents, Lillian M. (Ritchot) Ahern and Joseph H. Ahern; and her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Robert Carson.

She moved to Lakeland, FL, from Orrington in 1989. She was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Lakeland and formerly of St. Teresa and St. Joseph Church in Brewer. She was a member of St. John Neumann's JOY (JesusOthersYourself) Tuesday Club, where she enjoyed friends, worship and fun. She was always available to help with any ministry, from yard sales to helping serve meals. All animals made her happy, from cats to dogs, birds, horses and mules. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, card games, board games, sewing, ceramics, diamond art paint and playing Farkle with her wonderful friends at the Carter House.

She leaves behind three sons, J. Michael and wife, Darlene (Guptill), of Orrington, ME, Robert S. Gladu of Wheat Ridge, CO, and Kevin S. Gladu and wife, Brenda (Smith), also of Orrington, ME; two daughters, Jacqueline M. Gladu-Asbell and husband, John, of Cairo, GA, and Donna M. Simonds and husband, James, of Etna, ME; six grandsons, John, Andrew, Anthony, Patrick, Robert and Shawn; one granddaughter, Erin (Gladu) Kennedy; seven great-granddaughters, Aislynn, Eleanor, Ruth, Marley, Alexis, Sierra and Sienna; and five great-grandsons, Gavin, Bryson, Patrick Jr. "PJ," Tanner, and Jack (to be born in April).

A funeral Mass will be held in the spring at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 501 Carter Road, Lakeland, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL. Thank you to Marlon Ivey Funeral Home, Live Oak, FL, for her final care.