Gwendolyn C Harley

Gwendolyn Cecelia Harley passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, after a long battle with lung cancer. She was born on June 18, 1930, in Washington, D.C., to parents Florence Cecelia and Thomas Henry Brooks.

Gwendolyn came of age during a time of segregation, when career opportunities for women particularly African American women—were limited. Yet, through determination and hard work, she excelled in her business courses and began her career as a typist and secretary, eventually advancing to the position of administrative assistant.

Among her favorite professional experiences were her years working for the League of Women Voters and the World Wildlife Fund. Her exceptional organizational skills, remarkable memory, and speedy typing made her an invaluable member of both organizations and her contributions left a lasting impression.

In 1969, Gwendolyn married George Patrick Harley, a man she had known since first grade. They shared a loving life together until his death in 1996.

Gwendolyn loved music and dancing and especially enjoyed going out to hear live music. She was always fashionable and took pride in keeping up with the latest styles. She also enjoyed playing the slots at local casinos. Although she lived her entire life in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland area, she frequently visited New York City and Atlantic City. Along with her beloved sister Sylvia, who predeceased her, she traveled to Las Vegas, Bermuda, Florida, and Hawaii.

More than anything, Gwendolyn loved her family and her faith. Although she did not have children of her own, she generously gave her time, affection, comfort, and advice to many children throughout the years, becoming a loving and trusted presence in their lives.

Gwendolyn was a devout Catholic with a special devotion to the rosary. She frequently attended daily Mass and quietly supported many charitable causes. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was reflected in the way she cared for others and gave of herself.

Gwendolyn will be remembered as an epic storyteller, a nonstop talker with an extraordinary memory and a remarkable keeper of family history. She had a story for nearly every occasion and a way of bringing people, places, and memories from the past to life.

Gwendolyn leaves behind her beloved brother, Hank Brooks, age 99, and her sister -in- law Lynette Harley as well as her nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews, along with many family members and friends whose lives she touched.

As we mourn her passing, we also give thanks for the gift of her long life, 96 years filled with family, faith, friendship, music, travel, laughter, stories, and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to

St. Francis of Assisi,

8300 Old Columbia Rd,

Fulton, MD 20759

In honor of Ms. Gwendolyn Harley.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 8300 Old Columbia Road, Fulton, MD 20759, on September 22, 2026, at 10:30 am.  

A Commital Service will be held at Maryland National Cemetery, 13300 Baltimore Ave., Laurel, MD 20707, on September 22, 2026, at 1:30 pm.