Gladlyn Joyce Dahlgren

Gladlyn ("Glady") Joyce Dahlgren of Streamwood, Illinois, was called home by her Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, on July 23, 2024, at the age of 86.

Glady was born at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago on November 30, 1937, to her parents,
Harold and Evelyn Dahlgren. Her name, "Gladlyn", expressed her parent's gladness of her birth.
Her middle name, "Joyce", was in memory of their first daughter whom they tragically lost to illness
when she was only two years old. The birth of Glady brought joy to their lives again. Six years later,
Glady became a big sister to Gloria.

Glady grew up on "Dream Street", the affectionate name for Seeley Avenue on Chicago's north side.
She attended McPherson grammar school and graduated from Amundsen High School in 1955.
She attended Ravenswood Covenant Church and was actively involved in many programs
throughout her childhood, teenage and young adult years.

At the age of 19, Glady married Jim Benson. They were married on May 18, 1957, at Ravenswood
Covenant Church. God blessed them with three children – Jeffrey (1958), Charles (1961) and Heidi
(1963).

In 1965 the family left Chicago and moved to a beautiful house in the wide-open fields of
Schaumburg. It was in this home on Concord Lane where many holidays, birthday parties, family
memories and friendships were made. Glady had the gift of hospitality and always made people
feel loved and welcomed.

Glady enjoyed reading, writing, gardening, doing puzzles, baking and cross-stitching. She
especially loved spending time at Moose Lake and "The Country".

Filled with the desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, Glady and Jim became two of the founding
members of what would become "The Evangelical Covenant Church of Schaumburg". The newly
formed congregation, founded in 1966, began meeting in the living room of their home. When the
congregation outgrew the living room, they met at Blackhawk School. After securing land on
Meacham Road, the church building was completed and the congregation had a place to call
"home".

Glady served as the church secretary/office coordinator for 45 years until she retired from the
position in August 2011. She was also involved in bible studies, women's ministry, rummage sales,
church dinners, picnics, and so many other activities that they can't even be listed. Ministry was at
the core of Glady's life. This was where she found her "spiritual family" - deep, lifelong friendships
that walked together through the joys, trials, sorrows and tragedies of life.

Years later, Glady and Heidi moved from their house in Schaumburg to their townhouse in
Streamwood where they lived together for 30 years.

In 2020, Glady began to develop the symptoms of Alzheimer's. As her disease progressed, Heidi
lovingly cared for Glady and enabled her to remain in her home for as long as possible. In May of
2024, she was moved to a nursing home in Schaumburg where she lived out her final days.

Glady is survived by her daughter, Heidi, her sons, Charles (Colette) and Jeffrey (Nancy), her
grandchildren, Samuel, Wendy and Hayle, four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She is also survived by her sister, Gloria (Buzz), her nephew, Chad (Patrizia) and her niece, Heather.

Peace be to her memory.