Gladys R. Bellingham

(Drechsler)

Williamson: Born June 4, 1919, died April 20, 2016.  She was predeceased by her husband, William v. Bellingham; daughter, Susan Callahan; parents, Arthur P. and Myrtle (Wood) Drechsler; sister, Mardette Moran; brother, Lee K. Drechsler.

Gladys graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1938, attended the Genesee Hospital School of Nursing and served as a Red Cross Nurse's Aide at Highland Hospital.  She worked in the Cost Accounting and Payroll Department of Bausch and Lomb and Hickok Manufacturing companies and as a Teacher's Aide at Wayne Central's Ontario Primary School.

Always a woman of strong faith and a parishioner of St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, since moving to Ontario in 1946.  Gladys taught Religious Education classes for many years, was a member of the Rosary Altar Society, employed as the Parish Secretary and Bookkeeper and later volunteered in the church office.

As a journalist, she was on the staff of her school newspaper, "The Quill" and editor of the "Blue Lamp".  She was the Personals Editor and News Editor of the Wayne County Mail and a correspondent for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.  Gladys most enjoyed covering the public hearings for the approval and construction of the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant and the building of St. Mary's of the Lake Church.  She was also the editor of the Wayne Central School District's "Board Report".

A consummate community volunteer.  Gladys served as Publicity Chairman for the first Wayne Central School PTA, shortly after the school district was created.  She was also Publicity Chairman for the Ontario Women's Civic Club.  Gladys was co-chairman of the Ontario Christmas Sharing Program and volunteered at Pines of Peace.

Gladys is survived by her sons, Bill (Linda) and Steve (Lisa) Bellingham; grandchildren, Pam Thomson, Peg (Paul) Renne, Jessica, Stephanie, Billy, Meghan, Reed and Nick; great grandchildren, Steven and Madison Thomson, and Olivia Susan Renne; son-in-law, Bill Callahan; sister-in-law, Doris Drechsler; many nieces, nephews and close personal friends.

Gladys' family will receive friends on Monday (April 25) from 5-8 PM at Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapels, 1961 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY.  Her Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday (April 26) at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 5823 Walworth Rd., Ontario, NY.  Following her interment in Lakeview Cemetery, all are invited to return to St. Mary's Parish Center for a small reception.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Pines of Peace, 2378 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY.  To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.