Milford native Shirley B. Glanden remembered for lifetime of service, family devotion

A visitation and celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 22, at Lofland Funeral Home in Milford. Burial will be private.

MILFORD, Del. — Shirley B. Glanden, a Milford native known for her dedication to her work, her faith community, and her family, died in 2026. She was 73.

Born April 10, 1952, at Milford Hospital, Glanden was the daughter of William and Alice Brittingham of Felton. She grew up in a close-knit Delaware family and graduated near the top of the first class of the newly formed Lake Forest High School in 1970.

Glanden spent much of her professional life with the Delaware Bankers Association, where she became a familiar and respected presence over the course of several decades. During her career, she worked closely with banking leaders from across the state and interacted with members of Delaware’s congressional delegation. Colleagues remembered her for her professionalism, reliability, and steady dedication to the organization and its mission.

Outside of work, Glanden remained active in her faith community at Felton United Methodist Church. She sang in the church choir and participated in the life of the congregation, where friends and fellow members often described her as warm, welcoming, and deeply committed to helping others.

Glanden also enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. Over the years, her journeys took her to Greece, Italy, Spain, Bermuda and Hawai‘i, as well as destinations across the United States. Closer to home, she especially loved trips to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where she spent time hiking and horseback riding with her partner, Ed Starr. She also enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, visiting Delaware Park and gathering with friends and family.

Family members say her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was known for her energy and playful spirit, often getting down on the floor to play with her grandchildren and giving them her full attention.

Glanden is survived by her twin sons, Mark and Matthew; her partner, Ed Starr; her siblings; extended family; and eight grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Charles “Del” Glanden, as well as several other beloved family members.

A visitation and celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 22, at Lofland Funeral Home in Milford. Burial will be private.

The family suggests memorial contributions in her honor to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Staff Writer

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