Gladys M. Waldron

Gladys Margaret Gdula Waldron, born November 12, 1940, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and a longtime resident of Smithtown, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by her loving family. Gladys was the devoted wife of Thomas Waldron for 49 years, and she was predeceased by him in 2015.

A proud graduate of Sacred Heart Academy (Class of 1958), Gladys pursued higher education with determination. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1962 and later completed a Master’s degree in Education. Her passion for learning shaped both her life and her career. A cornerstone of her legacy was her remarkable 43 year tenure on the Smithtown Board of Education, where she was a tireless advocate for students and families. She was known for her strong voice, steadfast commitment to academic excellence, and unwavering belief that every child deserved opportunity and support. As a three sport collegiate athlete herself(field hockey, basketball, and softball), she believed in the power of sports to build character, instill discipline, and foster community pride. In recognition of her unwavering support of athletics in the district, she was inducted into the Smithtown Booster Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025. Her leadership, insight, and integrity earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, educators, and community members throughout the district.

Beyond her public service, Gladys will be remembered for her vibrant spirit. She was smart, funny, and wonderfully feisty, with a quick wit and a gift for conversation. She brought warmth, energy, and humor to every room she entered and had a special talent for making others feel valued and understood. Above all, Gladys cherished her family. She is survived by her children Thomas Waldron (Teresa DiLorenzo Waldron), Kevin Waldron (Lauri Lord Waldron), Maureen Waldron Krueger, and Kelly Waldron Javidi (Adam Javidi); and by her eight beloved grandchildren: Connor Waldron, Meaghan Waldron, Olivia Waldron, Cade Krueger, Riley Krueger, Liam Javidi, Kian Javidi, and Mary Javidi. Gladys will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her warmth, determination, and the countless lives she touched.

A wake for our beloved mom, Gladys Waldron, will be held this Saturday, February 28th from 12-3pm at the Branch Funeral Home in Smithtown, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gladys’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/