Ida May Glidden's Obituary
Ida May Morrow Beck Glidden passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Ardmore, PA to Irish immigrant parents, Ida May was a proud first generation American. She spent her early years in Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania enjoying friends and extended Irish family. Ida May was a proud graduate of Haverford High School. St Luke’s United Methodist church played a critical role in developing her lifelong faith – she was an active member of the youth group, the choir and taught Sunday School. Ida May also met her first love Albert (Al) Charles Beck through church when she volunteered to be his pen pal while he was serving in the US Air Force. After they married she moved to Maryland where she worked for the US Census Bureau before having two daughters, Cynthia (Cyndi) and Cheryl. Following the loss of her husband Al in 1971, Ida found true love a second time with Willis (Bill) Scott Glidden. The merging of two families provided Ida with three sons: Scott (Cynthia), Steve (Nancy), and Craig. After raising their children, Ida and Bill retired south of Charlottesville, Virginia where together they built their dream log cabin, settled into country life, and joyfully lived on the side of Rock Spring Mountain for over 30 years. After Bill’s death, Ida returned to Maryland to be close to her girls.
Ida was a loving and ever-present caregiver and nurturer – a loyal and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a strong and resilient woman. Widowed at 38, she re-entered the workforce surviving the sudden loss of a husband, pivoting and re-inventing herself as a school accountant while balancing the challenges of being a single mother. She lived a life rooted in family, faith, and love. Family came first and she devoted herself to caring for those she loved, offering encouragement and unwavering support. Her home was always open to family, friends and at times strangers who then became friends. She loved to cook and bake and the smell of fresh baked treats often welcomed visitors to the cabin and graced tables at church gatherings and bake sales. Ida had a lovely and memorable laugh, a sometimes sassy nature and she lived her life with joy. She was always happiest when cooking, caring for others, and spending time with family and friends.
Ida May is survived by her loving children: Cyndi (Bob), Cheryl (Bill), Scott (Cynthia), and Steve (Nancy); five grandchildren: Angharad Torres (Ben), Emily Conner, Sam Glidden (Julia), Reese Glidden (Jacquelyn), Maeghan Annen (Andrew); and seven great grandchildren; Cora, Asher, Arthur, Diana, Sybil, Juliette, and Dorothy; as well as her sister Georgena Green (Charlie), her nephew Geoff (Linda), and her ‘adopted’ grandson Byron Massie (Jessica). She was preceded in death by her mother Jemima (Mina) Parke Morrow, father George Morrow, husbands Al Beck and Bill Glidden, step-son Craig Glidden, and beloved granddaughter Lily Glidden.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Wellspring Village caregivers and all of the staff at BrightView Annapolis and to Hospice of the Chesapeake (especially Abbey, Nancy, Dawn, Dana, and Laure) for the love, care and comfort provided to Ida and her family. A celebration of life in Maryland and a church service and interment in Virginia are being scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ida May to one of the following organizations:
Hospice of the Chesapeake
The Alzheimer's Association
Ride to End Alzheimer’s
What’s your fondest memory of Ida?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ida?
Share a story where Ida's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ida you’ll never forget.
How did Ida make you smile?