Gladys M. Waldron
November 12, 1940 ~ February 22, 2026
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/
Services
Visitation: Saturday, February 28, 2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Gladys M. Waldron 's name.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Rest in oeace
Gladys’ devotion to the students of Smithtown was only surpassed by her love and devotion to her family, a family that treated her with love, devotion, attention, dignity and respect until she took her last breath. Her sense of humor brought levity to so many tense situations. People were actually happy when they knew she would be at a meeting, dinner or luncheon. She loved and respected her husband, Tom, so much, even when he rescued a rottweiler not knowimg that the dog only understood Spanish!! Whenever she would have an open house for Christmas there was standing room only because everyone wanted to be in her presence. Her home was always open to her children”s friends and she would bring ice tea to the phyical education teachers at Great Hollow {which backed her home) as they were teaching tennis on a hot day. Never at a loss for words she would respectfully go back at those people that verbally attacked her. She made the Board of Education meetings worthy of an Emmy. Through all of this she was a devoted mother, wife and friend. Be at peace with ALL that you have accomplished on earth and for making the world a better place. Love, Connie
You will be dearly missed but all the love you gave and memories you created will live on for many generations. Xoxoxo
I knew Mrs Waldron when I was a little kid at Branch Brook elementary. She was the lead teacher of the morning daycare. We did all kinds of fun stuff. She was a nice lady. Her and my mom were close at one point. I could never call her Gladys. Even when I saw her as a teenager years later, I still called her Mrs Waldron.
She was a nice lady. May her memory be a blessing.
In sympathy,
Doug Druckman
I was deeply saddened to learn of your mother, Gladys Waldron’s, passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I can only imagine how deeply she will be missed by those who knew and loved her most.
Your mother’s more than 40 years of service on the Smithtown Board of Education left a lasting mark on generations of students — myself included. One moment that stands out vividly was when she quietly entered my photography class, where we were focused on our work, and made an effort to engage with each of us. It wasn’t the athletes or the students in the spotlight who got her attention; it was everyone. She made us feel seen, valued, and special, no matter our place in the school.
I often thought of her as “tiny but mighty.” She embodied strength, purpose, and a deep commitment to public service. Her example inspired me to raise my family in Smithtown and pursue a path in public service, shaped in no small part by her leadership.
Her influence continues — in our schools, our community, and in the many lives she inspired. I am profoundly grateful for her example and the legacy she leaves behind.
With deepest sympathy,
Kevin Craine
Mrs. Waldron was one of those rare people who easily stood out and stood up for so many. Fierce, loyal, fair, commanding, and loving. One couldn’t help but to look up to her and be inspired by her. I know I was. Her legacy continues through her children and granchildren. Rest in the peace you deserve.
With love,
Susan Fox