Gloria May (Ledger) Mitchell

Gloria May (Ledger) Mitchell, 96, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Ludlow on February 6, 1930, to the late Harry and May (Riley) Ledger, she was a lifelong resident of Indian Orchard and member of Orchard Covenant Church.

Gloria worked for several years as a comptometer operator at A&P Grocery Store. In 1951, she enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she honorably served for 38 years as a finance supervisor, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. She was a dedicated member of American Legion Post 277 in Indian Orchard and, more recently, American Legion Post 36 in Ludlow. She was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Deeply committed to her community, Gloria served as both a member and past president of the Indian Orchard Citizens Council. She cherished summer vacations at Cape Cod, enjoyed reading, and found great joy in knitting, lovingly creating afghan blankets for family and friends.

She leaves her beloved niece and nephews: MaryJo Rebelo and her husband Americo of Bethel Park, PA, Gary Perella and his wife Janice of Venetia, PA, Barry Perella and his wife Cheryl of Agawam, MA and McCabe Gallagher and his partner Sue Price of New Rochelle, NY, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters: Karen Ledger, Maureen Ledger, Marjorie Perella, and Diane Ledger, and a nephew Kolby Ledger. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gloria’s caregiver, Wynnette Farrior, for the loving care she provided to her over the past 10 years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 with Calling Hours from 10am-12pm at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Indian Orchard followed by a service at the funeral home at 12pm. Burial with military honors will follow at 2pm at the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Soldier On, 290 Merrill Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201-2084 (online at www.wesoldieron.org) or to the charity of one’s choice. To offer online condolences to the family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.               

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