Suffield Obituary: Gladys Hand, 93

Gladys L. Hand, 93, passed away on August 18, 2017 at Life Care Center of Estero after two weeks of care in their skilled nursing facility.

She was born in Presque Isle, Maine, on January 12, 1924, daughter of Selden E. and Blanche Akeley Libby. She is survived by her cherished family: son, Francis J. Dobosz (Mary), granddaughter, Laura van Houtryve (Frederico), and great-grandsons, Lucas and Miles van Houtrve. Also survived by step-daughter, Lisa Mattis, step-son, Gary Hand, nieces Sarah Kasica and Lisa Phillamore, as well as other special nephews and many dear friends.

Gladys grew up in Maine and graduated from Houlton High School, Houlton, Maine in 1941. Upon graduation, she worked as a secretary in a legal office and later for an insurance office in Houlton. Gladys lived in Turners Falls, Massachusetts for many years where she and former husband Frank J. Dobosz, raised their two sons. She worked for several years in the personnel office of the Millers Falls Tool Company.

She later married Charles "Skip" M. Hand and moved to Suffield, Connecticut, where they made their home. She worked in the sales office at Style-Tex Wall Coverings, Hatfield, Massachusetts, before retiring in 1986.

Gladys moved to Cinnamon Cove, Fort Myers, Florida in 1989 after the death of Skip. She felt blessed to have had so many busy, happy years of retired life. In Fort Myers, she was a communicant of St. Columbkille Parish, volunteered in their thrift shop and also volunteered at HealthPark Medical Center for several years.

She was preceded in death by her younger son, Richard Paul Dobosz; her husband Charles M. Hand; brothers, Lewis, George and Harold Libby; sisters, Eleanor Libby Phillimore, Estelle Smith and Jean Thompson.

Funeral services for Gladys will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33908, (239) 489-3973. Burial will be at a later date in Elm Grove Cemetery in Poquonock, Connecticut.

Gladys was lovingly cared for at home by the staff and volunteers at Hope Hospice for several years.

At her request, contributions in lieu of flowers should be directed to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, Florida 33908, (239) 482-4673.