Mary Gladys (Lee) Underdown of Columbia, Maryland

OBITUARY

Mary Gladys Underdown departed this life on Monday, December 26, 2016 at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Columbia, Maryland. She was born March 29, 19__, in La Plata, Maryland to the late Jack and Bessie Lee. She was one of 10 children.

She graduated from Bel Alton High School, where she was an avid athlete participating on the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. On June 23, 1956, she married the love of her life, Alfred. Their 60 year union produced five children —Sharen, Karen, Kevin, Erica and Linda. She supported her children in all of their endeavors, serving as a Girl Scout Leader, softball coach and team mom.

Gladys began her career at the Children's Center in Laurel, Maryland, where she worked with developmentally disabled and delinquent youth. She retired after 30 years of service, which allowed her to participate in the activities of her grandchildren and fully enjoy time with her family. She was a long time resident of Laurel and Columbia, Maryland.

She is survived by her loving husband Alfred; five children Sharen White, Karen Day, Kevin Underdown, Erica Palmer ((Ronnie) and Linda Butler; nine grandchildren, Amber, Chris, Justin, Brittany, Ashley, Al, Aaron, Jared and Essence; seven great-grandchildren, Landon, Aja, Lundyn, Brylan, Kellan, Layla, and Jalen; and four siblings Russell, Earl, Donald and Barbara.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five siblings, Laverne, Frank, Tom, Irvin and Herman.

She was loved by many and always welcomed friends and family into her home. Nan, as she was lovingly known, will be deeply missed.

Visitation, 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am, Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland.

Interment, Church Cemetery.