Gladys V. Louden's Obituary
Gladys Virginia Belcastro Louden passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, September 12th, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
Gladys, known by her family and friends as "Tootsie", was born in Kilarm, West Virginia on April 22nd, 1927 to Joseph and Litrena Belcastro. Gladys spent most of her childhood in Shinnston, West Virginia surrounded by the love and warmth of her parents, three siblings and her extended Italian family. A star student at Shinnston High School, Gladys always spoke fondly of her time there, starring in school plays, organizing events and serving as her community's May Day Queen. It is easy to look back at Gladys' years in Shinnston and see how they inspired her deep and unwavering belief in the importance of family. Gladys loved to play bridge, dance and entertain friends and family.
A few years after graduation Gladys met her husband, Donald Conkling Louden, and they married on May 25th, 1949. After Donald's time in the Army, his subsequent career took the couple to Lorain, Ohio and ultimately to Pittsburgh in 1961, where they raised their six children. Gladys cherished her life serving as a devoted mother and grandmother.
She will be missed by her children and their spouses, J. Gregory and Susan Louden, Chrissie and Sam Moodie, Harry and Natalie Louden, Barbara and Bill Bogard, Susie Louden, and daughter-in-law, Laura Walker Louden. She will also be missed by her grandchildren and their spouses, Erika and William Bimson, Jill and Brian Pevear, Joseph Gregory Jr. and Alejandra Louden, William Bogard, Thomas Dworzanski, Jonathan and Brooke Louden, Laura and Nick Kefauver, Matthew and Jill Louden, Elizabeth and Stephen Huff Megan and Doug Damron, Katherine and Gregory Chesterson, Michael and Caitlin Louden, Margaret and Arthur Davis, Jacob Louden, Benjamin Louden and Joshua Louden. Furthermore, Glady's legacy of love and warmth on this earth is continued in her 25 great-grandchildren.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her siblings, Mary Jo Digiandomenico, Patsy Belcastro and Janice Belcastro, and her beloved son, Donald Mark Louden.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills, 15236. A Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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