ROCKLAND – Gladys St. John Dodge Hardy, 90, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Montville, April 7, 1935, she was the daughter of Arthur Lewis and Ruth Elizabeth Stewart St. John. Moving to Lincolnville Center at the age of 6, she attended schools there. Later she graduated from Camden High School in 1954.

Gladys had a love of music that began at an early age. She came from a long line of musical family members, including her father, an old time French Canadian fiddle player who began playing when he was just 7 years old. Throughout her life she performed at many local dances and shows, singing, playing the guitar or piano and yodeling.

Shortly after high school, Gladys married Judson Harold Dodge, Jr. on November 4, 1954. Together they were blessed with four wonderful children. While her children grew, she worked at Holmes Packing Plant until her youngest attended all day school. She then went to work for the Knox Hospital, moving to Pen Bay Medical Center, working in the operating rooms for a total of 33 years. Mr. Dodge passed away in 1987.

For many years, Gladys was an active member of several local Granges. Beginning with the Weymouth Grange in Thomaston, she has held memberships in the Pleasant Valley Grange in Rockland, Pioneer Grange in Union, Penobscot View Grange in Glen cove, Knox Pomona Grange, The State Grange and the National Grange. She has served in many capacities, including Secretary for over 25 years, Master of the Grange, was nominated for Granger of the Year in 1974, Lady Assistant Steward, C.W.A. Chairman, and Membership Chairman. In February of 2001, Gladys was presented with her 40-year Continuous Membership Certificate in a celebration that included 10 of her close family members. Gladys was also an active member of the Pythion Sisters, the Ladies Shrine of Rockland and the Rebeckas.

Never one to be idle, Gladys has received recognition for her work at the Hospital, as well as recognition from the City of Rockland, and Rockland Share the Pride, expressing thanks for her dedication to the improvement and beautification of the community in and around her home on Pleasant Street. She worked tirelessly in her yard, and hosted beautiful holiday displays every year. The joy that it brought her friends and neighbors was something she relished each year.

She had a love of dancing, with Ballroom dancing being one of her favorite pastimes. As a young girl she enjoyed clog dancing while standing with her father on stage. Another one of her favorite pastimes was playing Canasta. Later in life, Gladys enjoyed the companionship of Willard ‘Swiss’ Hardy for 15 years before they were married on May 4, 2004. Together they shared twelve more years, dancing and she inspired him to write a book about his life, which he did, twice. Mr. Hardy passed away in 2016.

Gladys made many friends who became like family over her lifetime. Her inclusive nature and warm smile brought anyone she met close to her heart. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Predeceased by both of her parents, Arthur and Ruth St. John, both of her husbands; her sisters Rita Duncan of Palm Desert, California and Anita Mottram of Wyoming; Gladys is survived by her children, Judson Dodge, III and his wife Pam of Union; Carolyn Dodge of Rockland; Marie Flaherty and her husband Mike of Warren, James Dodge and his fiancé Traci Cultrera of Hope; her grandchildren, Rebecca Dodge Anderson; Kristina M. Brown of Rockland; Danielle Flynn and her husband David of Warren, James Alan Dodge of Union, Samantha Jo Dodge of Union, Jennifer Higel and her husband Taylyn of Nebraska; her great-grandchildren, Abbie Anderson, Madilyn Anderson, Hallie Anderson, Vincent Thibodeau; Kinsley Flynn, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and a large loving extended family.

In keeping with Gladys’ wishes, her family will lay her to rest privately beside her first husband at the East Union Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Gladys’ family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.