Obituary: Gladys Carolyn Stokinger
Gladys Stokinger, 100, of Waterville Passes Away
Waterville, Maine – Gladys Carolyn Stokinger, a longtime resident of Waterville and a retired teacher for the Cape Elizabeth School Department, died on October 6, 2026, at the age of 100. She was born on December 4, 1925, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Ernest H. Foster and Elizabeth (Cook) Foster.
Stokinger’s life spanned a century of change. After a career in education that concluded with her retirement from the Cape Elizabeth school system, she remained an active member of her local religious community. She had previously served the Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland and, at the time of her death, was a congregant of the First Church of Waterville.
The late Mrs. Stokinger was predeceased by several close family members, including her husband, Robert E. Stokinger, her daughter Nancy C. Buzzell, her sister Edith (Foster) Stokinger, and both of her parents. She also lost a great‑great‑grandchild. She is survived by three sons—Robert Foster of Salviac, France, who is married to Mary Duffy; John Ladd of South Thomaston, married to Diane; and Peter Allard of Fairfield, married to Kristie—as well as seven grandchildren, 12 great‑grandchildren, and one great‑great‑grandchild.
In accordance with Stokinger’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. She will later be buried with her husband at the Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Springvale. Those wishing to honor her memory may make donations to a charity of their choice in her name.
Stokinger’s passing is a loss to the Waterville community, which will remember her dedication to education and her steadfast faith. Her life story, marked by commitment to family and service, will continue to inspire those who knew her.
