Obituary of Gladys Hirsch

Olean- Gladys Hirsch “Loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother” Gladys Hirsch of both Lakewood and Olean, N.Y. passed away Friday (Aug. 26, 2022) at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital following a brief illness. Born February 17, 1929, in Abington, PA, Gladys was the daughter of Harrison and Mary D. Worthington Haring and niece to Drs. Harry and Sara Phillips to whom she was very close. Gladys graduated from Kensington High School and later attended nursing school. As a nurse-in-training, she met Frank P. Hirsch who served in the Navy. On October 8, 1948, they married and eventually moved to Olean, NY in 1951, where Frank began his career at Clark Brothers as a patternmaker. Gladys was a gifted artist and throughout her lifetime she enjoyed many hobbies. Among her favorites were stained glass, porcelain dolls, painting and sewing. She shared in the interests of her daughters with ceramics and quilting. She was a passionate artist; truly talented and inspired her daughters’ creative talents. She had a love for dogs and was very proud of raising and showing Champion Cocker Spaniels with her aunt and uncle. Her great sense of adventure and joyous spirit provided memorable memories for her family and especially her grandchildren. Gladys was known for “doing it all”; whether she was hosting an elaborate holiday party, playing games, chasing and riding hot-air balloons, or rallying the pack in Cub and Boy Scouts. Gladys was dedicated to creating and sharing fun. Gladys (and Frank) did more than tag-along. Her mission to dive into each adventure was noteworthy. So much so the pair found themselves on white-water rapids in their 70’s on a Boy Scout trip! A member of the First Baptist Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution and The Order of the Eastern Star, Gladys lived life to the fullest. Frank and Gladys had seasonal homes in Ocala and St. Augustine, FL where they made many friends. She and her husband loved to travel and adventured worldwide touring many countries and sailing numerous cruises, collecting souvenirs, and taking photos. Gladys is survived by her three daughters, Lark P. (Stephan) Goodyear of West Kingston, RI., Marygladys S. Wojtanik of Ft. Wayne, IN., and Lisa M. Oakes of Olean, NY.; six grandchildren, Amy Goodyear, Dr. Kari Wojtanik, Lori (Thomas) Tupper, Jonah (Stacey) Wojtanik, Michelé (Matthew) Bell, Dana (Erika) Oakes; and thirteen great- grandchildren: Alexander, AnnaSara, and Adrian Goodyear Leigh; Jack and Oliver Tupper; Julie and Melanie Wojtanik; Christian, Mason, and Klara Oakes; Amelia, Nolan, and Lauren Bell. Gladys was predeceased by her parents, stepmother Daisy Haring, stepbrother Frank Snapp, and her loving husband of 68 years, Frank P. Hirsch on March 15, 2016, a son Frank P. Hirsch II on May 26,1979, and a son-in-law, Daniel C. Oakes on Feb. 27, 2012. At her request there will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be held in Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Cemetery in Warminster, Pa. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made atwww.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com