Gladys Viola Cushman Benner, 79, of Waldoboro, died Dec. 9 at Windward Gardens in Camden. She was born April 23, 1932 in Rockland to Cecil and Cora Spear Cushman. Gladys spent her childhood in Thomaston and graduated from Thomaston High School in the class of 1950. As a teenager she enjoyed babysitting and worked in the sardine packing factories in Rockland.
Her favorite pastimes were skating and dancing. On Oct. 25, 1952 she married Otis B. Benner Jr. Early in their marriage Gladys worked at G.T.E. Sylvania in Waldoboro and later became a life-time homemaker, raising four children. Through the years, she enjoyed the many day trips her son, Douglas, took her on until his passing in 1991.
She was predeceased by her son, Douglas; granddaughter, Nichole Benner; and brothers, Harold and Frank Cushman.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Otis B. Benner Jr. of Waldoboro; sons, Bryan Benner of Waldoboro and Craig Benner of Damariscotta; daughter, Emily Benner of Waldoboro; brother, Sherman Cushman of Friendship; sister, Donna Jillson of Rockland; granddaughters, Maria Cox of Warren, Amy Collins of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Heather Bacon of Old Town; great-grandchildren, Andy and Douglas Collins of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Joshua, Nichole and Hannah Cox of Warren; and great-grandchildren, Ashley and Breanna Collins of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Time of visitation 10-11 a.m., Wed., Dec. 14 followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Rev. Robert Bellows will officiate. Burial will follow in the Benner Family Cemetery in Nobleboro.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the Benner family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waldoboro is caring for the family.
