100th Birthday Commendation for Marie Stapler Gladden

Original paper letter

Original paper letter

2004-03-13

Rep. Corrine Brown; Corrine Brown

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler; Marie Gladden

U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., United States of America.

A letter of congratulations dated March 13, 2004, issued on official U.S. House of Representatives letterhead and signed by Congresswoman Corrine Brown on behalf of Florida's 3rd Congressional District and the Central Florida Community. Written to celebrate Marie Stapler Gladden's 100th birthday, the commendation celebrates her century of life and decades of impact as an educator, community servant, and family matriarch. Notably, this letter was written just two months before the Congressional Commendation issued upon her passing in May 2004.

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden (March 13th, 2004 - May 14th, 2004) was the retired principal of the historic Black school, Phyllis Wheatley High School. Marie Stapler Gladden attained a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Certification in Administration and Supervision from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY. Marie married Michael Gladden Jr. on June 16, 1935. She became the co-owner of M. Gladden Staple and Fancy Groceries and later, Gladden's Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Marie began her teaching career at the Hopper Academy elementary school in Seminole County, later teaching in Orange County for thirty-six years, including at schools in Oakland and Clarcona. Marie was a member of the Orange County Teachers Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Omicron Omega Chapter, the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, the Apopka Historical Society, and the Apopka Senior Citizen Center. She lived to be 100 years old.