Elaine S. Gleason

Olean- Elaine S. Gleason (Lonnie), of Kingston Drive, Olean, NY passed away Saturday (March 5, 2022) at the Olean General Hospital, after a brief illness, to join her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Born November 19, 1930, in Westmoreland, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Alma Sawner.  She first married Joseph C. Dwyer, and together they had six children.  She later married Ed Gleason, who predeceased her.

Mrs. Gleason received her Masters of Education from Cortland College (now SUNY Cortland).  She worked as an elementary teacher for the Olean City School District, influencing and teaching hundreds of children over her teaching career.

She was an active parishioner at St. John’s Church in Olean and volunteered on their bereavement committee.  She also volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels and with the Olean Adult Literacy Program.  In her free time, she enjoyed golfing, walking, YMCA exercise classes and playing bridge with her friends. Her back yard offered opportunity to feed the birds, the deer and any creatures that showed up, along with gardening and enjoying nature.

Mrs. Gleason is survived by five children, Joseph P. (Carol) Dwyer of East Northport, NY, Molly (Joshua) Tower of Natick, MA., Terrence (Katherine) Dwyer of Silver Spring, MD., Megan Dwyer of Virginia Beach, VA., and Colleen (Robert) Kennedy of Chappell Hill, TX. Additionally, she is survived by her stepchildren from her marriage with Ed Gleason, Joe Gleason (Pam), Tom Gleason (Michelle), Janie Haggerty, Linda Connelly (Frank). She is also survived by her longtime and loving companion, Art Filjones of Olean, NY, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Ed Gleason, she was predeceased by a son, Michael F. Dwyer and one sister, Lucille Spaven.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean, NY on Wednesday, March 9 from 4-7 pm.  A Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (March 10, 2022) at 10 am at St. John’s Parish, 931 N. Union Street, Olean, NY. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY.

Memorials can be sent to St. John’s Parish, 931 N. Union Street, Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.