Gladys Marilyn Martin

A private celebration of life will be held January 20, 2024. There will be a ceremony in the spring at Wake Memorial Park in Cary.

Gladys was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1926 to the late Joseph and Mary Ellen Pugh. She grew up in Windsor, New York and graduated from Windsor Central High School. In 1947 she married Richard McCoon, and together they had 3 children: Richard McCoon Jr, Barbara Chitale, and Nancy McCoon. Gladys worked for General Electric as an aircraft engine assembler for 9 years in Johnson City, New York. In 1974 she married Jack Martin, and in 1979 they moved from Burlington, Vermont to Cary, North Carolina. After moving to North Carolina, Gladys taught Electronics for Durham Technical Community College.

Gladys had an eye for style and was always interested in the latest fashion trends. She could usually be found in the shoe department! Her hobbies included home decorating and design. However, her greatest passion was for animals and rescuing those she could. Her beloved dog, Baby, was her constant companion; wherever she went, Baby went too.

Gladys loved music and listened anytime she could. Her favorite artists included Engelbert Humperdinck, Rod Stewart, and Tina Turner. She enjoyed visiting relatives in Binghamton, New York and Boca Raton, Florida. She particularly enjoyed annual “girls” trips to Myrtle Beach with her daughters and granddaughter.

Gladys was a wonderful role model and taught her family strength of character, courage, and kindness. She walked this earth with dignity and grace. She will be remembered fondly as a classy, charismatic woman whose ambitious, selfless, and humorous personality could light up any room. She lived the last 20 years in the cozy and loving home of her daughter, Nancy McCoon, in Cary, North Carolina.

Gladys was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her. She lived her life with contentment and gratitude; she was a blessing to those who knew her.

Gladys was preceded in death by her son, Richard McCoon Jr, her ex-husband Richard McCoon Sr, her second husband Jack Martin, and her two brothers Clarence and Donald Shaffer.

Gladys is survived by her daughters Barbara Chitale and Nancy McCoon. Grandchildren, Jason (Maggie) McCoon, Branden Boyer, and Anjalee (Stephen) Womble. Great grandchildren, Landon MCoon, Camryn Womble, Braedon Womble, and Jadeyn Womble.

In lieu of flowers donations to Pawfect Match Animal Rescue can be made in memory of Gladys Martin on their website https://www.pawfectmatch.org/.