Iris Vashaw Glidden

WHITEFIELD - Iris Vashaw Glidden, 91, of Hall Road, died Tuesday morning May 26, 2015, at The Morrison nursing home in Whitefield She was born Iris Ann Vashaw on May 17, 1924 in Lancaster. After graduation from Lancaster Academy, Iris attended The Western Union School in Washington, NJ and worked at several Western Union facilities, including Newport, RI and Westwood Village, CA, where she served as Relief Manager during World War II. It was during this time in California that she was reunited with and married the love of her life, George Glidden, who was stationed there with the Navy. The Gliddens returned to the North Country where they raised two daughters. They resided in Lancaster, Colebrook and Littleton prior to settling in Whitefield, where they have lived since 1954. Iris was the sole proprietor of White Mountain Properties, a realty agency which she successfully managed for 28 years, and ultimately employed three associates. Her distinctive trademark logo of the presidential mountain range combined with her hard work brought her many customers and life-long friends from all over New England. In 2014, she became a resident at Country Village and recently resided at the Morrison Nursing Home. On May 17 th Iris celebrated her 91 st birthday. Iris' love for the mountains, her family, flowers and birds made for a variety of outdoor family adventures. Hiking, camping at Hermit Island, skiing and canoeing the lakes were her favorites. A hike up Mt. Prospect to search for the yellow lady slippers was an annual event. She knew each bird's unique song and was able to identify wildflowers, all of which she taught to her children and grandchildren. She said, "The mountains look different every ten minutes." Their beauty inspired her in all seasons. A vibrant, kind and generous spirit, Iris always had her face turned toward the sun. She will be sorely missed. She is survived by her husband George of Whitefield; a brother Murray Vashaw of Lancaster; two daughters; Melanie Valentine of Poulsbo, WA, and Melissa Cole of Washington, NH; two granddaughters; Amy Marro of Whitefield, and Libby Lattanzio of Sag Harbor, NY; five great-grandchildren; Michael Marro, Nathan and Nicholas Blake; Sophie and Sadie Lattanzio. There will be a memorial gathering of friends and relatives Saturday, June 20 at 1:00 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Whitefield. At the conclusion of the memorial service there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall followed by a committal service in Number Ten Cemetery on Martin Meadow Pond Road. Donations may be made to Recreation Department, Town of Whitefield, NH 03598 for the children of Whitefield.

Iris Vashaw Glidden

May 17, 1924 - May 26, 2015