Gladys I. (Goldberg) Dratch

Gladys I. Dratch of Lexington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 89 years of age. Daughter of Edna (Crockett) and Samuel Goldberg, and wife of Morris Dratch, M.D., Gladys will be greatly missed. She leaves behind a loving family, including her sister Mimi Katz (deceased); three daughters, Edna Dratch-Parker, Annette Dratch, and Sharon Dratch Edwards; two sons-in-law, James Parker and Christopher Edwards; grandchildren James (and wife Stephanie), Quinn, and Tyler; and great-grandchildren Logan, Cameron, and Lilly. She was also a beloved member of a large extended family.

Gladys was eternally upbeat, humble, and possessed a most beautiful smile and generous nature. She always thought the best of others. She was an avid reader. And she was deeply devoted to her family, especially her husband Morris, the love of her life.

Gladys had no airs about her. She didn’t discuss her many accomplishments, and she never sought accolades. But from her earliest days, she set out to be someone and follow her dreams. From a poor family with few resources, she got herself into Radcliffe College and graduated with honors. After Gladys married Morris, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, for his medical residency, where she worked and supported them during this time as a secretary and then as a teacher. When they returned to Boston and started a family, she continued to teach and was also employed by the Decordova Museum in Lincoln as a docent.

In her early 40s, she earned her master’s degree in library science, graduating first in her class. She was employed by the Gutman Library at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she worked for over 20 years. Gladys never stopped trying to achieve and grow as a person. She was instrumental in acquiring funds and overseeing the expansion of the library’s special collections. She was also very active in the Special Library Association, traveling to conferences throughout the country and Canada, eventually rising to become the chairperson of the education committee.

It's fair to say that her life was busy! Gladys never sat around. Despite her incredible career and family responsibilities, she managed to carve out an active social life with cherished friends. She traveled widely and often with her husband, including living two years abroad in France.

Gladys was a model for her three daughters, teaching them the importance of independence. Her strong moral compass taught them right from wrong. And her deep abiding love for her husband and family set the ultimate standard.

She lived a full life, and no words can express how much she will be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 10 AM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gladys’ name, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.