Elaine M. Gleason

Elaine M. (Mygrant) Gleason Elaine M. Gleason, 84, of Huntsville, AL (a resident of Lakeland, FL for over 50 years), died Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at her home, after a lengthy struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Born June 27, 1932 in Findlay, Ohio, she was the 3rd of seven children of the late Clifton R. and Lilah Gilleah (Stauffer) Mygrant. She was the former wife of Dr. William L. Gleason, of Lakeland, to whom she was married for over 45 years. Elaine was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing and Health, Class of 1954 and her Master’s in Nursing at Duke University in 1959. Upon settling in Lakeland in 1961, she centered her activities on raising her three children and music. In 1965 she joined the effort to start the Lakeland Civic Symphony (now the Imperial Symphony Orchestra), its attendant fundraising Guild, and was a violin player in the Symphony as long as her health allowed. During the later 1960s and 70s, this music kindled her spirit and helped to establish a stringed instrument music program in a few elementary schools in Polk County, later expanding to the many string programs throughout the Polk County school systems. Most recently, Elaine proudly shared her love of music by offering advice to the recently formed Florida Philharmonia Orchestra, volunteer community orchestra. She is survived by her daughters, Anne Gleason (Paul Carter) of North Charleston, SC, Lynn Roy (Jim) of Huntsville, AL, her son John Gleason (Stacey) of Geneva, FL, her brother Larry Mygrant (Linda) of Sycamore, OH, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, starting at 10 AM in the Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL, with light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Elaine Gleason to the Florida Philharmonia Orchestra, 9230 Hall Road, Lakeland, FL 33809.