Margaret B. Gleason

Margaret Ann Christine Bennett Gleason, born in Templeton, CA on June 30, 1917, grew up in Santa Clara, attended Saint Clare's Grammar School, Santa Clara High School, and Heald’s Business College. She was the second of four children, Marie Tunstall, Charles Bennett, and Dorothy McClean, all of whom pre deceased her. She married Richard (Dick) Gleason on October 23, 1938. They had five children, Kathleen Gleason Worsley of Redmond, Washington, Richard Michael (Mike) Gleason deceased 1989, Sherry Gleason Carlson of Santa Clara, Barbara Gleason Connolly of San Jose and Paul Gleason of Santa Clara,nine grand children, and nine great grandchildren. Her close family members include Stephanie Thompson, Patricia Staats, Marcia Petersen and Thomas Connolly. Margaret grew up in the family home in Santa Clara with siblings, aunts and uncles, in care of her maternal grandmother, Margrethe Jacobs, after the death of her mother. Like all Santa Clara girls of her era, she worked in the cannery, and after her marriage she worked for the San Jose Water Works as secretary. After the birth of her children, she accepted a position of secretary with the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce where she was selected as woman of the year for assuming management of the business. A testament to her love of art and education, she served as the first secretary of the Triton Museum of Art in 1967, Triton Museum Administrator, member of the Board of trustees, and with the Triton Alliance. After her retirement she continued to volunteer as a docent for many years. Margaret worked in her garden endlessly and loved visiting local nurseries. In the evenings she relaxed with a good book. She was particularly fond of historical biographies. She loved to travel and took trips to various places including Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland and different states of the U.S. She was the epitome of the self educated woman who spent her life intellectually curious and ceaslessly learning. She was culturally alert and aware and politically astute with a strong Democratic background. She received many accolades through her years of association with the museum and her many years of unselfish devotion to the community. She was a loyal and active member of Saint Clare’s Church and parrish throughout her life. Perhaps her greatest legacy is the example of integrity, intelligence, graciousness, generosity, service, and love with which she left her family and friends. Margaret fell asleep in Christ at home amidst her loving family on June 5th,2012. We will always love her and are richer to have shared in the adventures of her life. Bon Voyage!

A Rosary Vigil will be held Sunday, June 10th at 4:00 p.m. with visitation from 3 to 5 p.m.at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N Winchester Blvd. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 11th at St. Clare Catholic Church, 725 Washington St. in Santa Clara; with Interment in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.