Gloria Irene McFadyen

Mrs. Gloria Irene (Brandenburg) McFadyen entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the age of 94. She passed peacefully at Buckingham’s Choice surrounded by loving family members. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Daniel ‘Bruce’ McFadyen in 2000, and their beloved only daughter, Linda Sue McFadyen in 1994.

Born December 4, 1930 in Urbana, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Carrie (Plunkard) Brandenburg. Gloria embodied a life of grace, integrity and service. Her deep-rooted faith was the cornerstone of her existence. A long-time member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Urbana, she served many roles including various committee leadership positions, teaching Sunday School and assisting with special events for the community. As a youngster, she belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of Hyattstown Fire Department and continued her volunteer work with the Ladies Auxiliary of Urbana Fire and Rescue. She touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. For fun, Gloria enjoyed traveling with her husband, friends and family. She was a gifted gardener, baker and canner and many of those who love her have fond memories of her sharing her creations.

Gloria began working right after high school and spent 17 years employed at Lilypons Water Gardens, Three Springs Fisheries. She then went on to work, and retire after over two decades, for the Montgomery County Government.

Being the fifth of ten children, Gloria’s life began as part of an active and large family who lived and farmed in the Urbana area. She even met her husband working at his family’s restaurant in the little town of Urbana. The importance of family and of the community never diminished for her. With so many brothers and sisters, there are a large number of extended family members and Gloria helped to ensure that the family continued to come together annually with the Mother’s Day reunion. In many ways, she was the Matriarch connecting everyone and leaving a legacy of humor, perseverance and love.

She is survived by her youngest sister, Martha Adelaide Norwood, many nieces, nephews, lifelong friend Harriet Wachter and other friends and family members who will miss her a great deal. Gloria requested to extend her deepest gratitude and love to her sister, Martha, and her niece, L. Jean Rhinehart, for their unwavering support and love, which helped to make her final years comfortable and peaceful.

Gloria is reunited in heaven with her siblings: Claude ‘Upton’ Charles (Betty) Brandenburg; Mary Emma (John) Covell; Edythe Charlotte (Harold) Harshman, Marshall Eugene (Kathleen) Brandenburg; infant Betty Jane; Ira Franklin (Peggy) Brandenburg; Barbara Ann ‘Bobbie’ (Thomas) Payne; and Norman Edward (Mary Margaret) Brandenburg. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law Otis Norwood, lifelong friend Shirley Moxley and her favorite dog, Corky.

To honor a life so beautifully lived, a visitation will be held for family and friends from 4pm to 8pm, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. The funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Wesley Chapel UMC, 3519 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704. The burial will be at 2pm at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.

In addition flowers, contributions are appreciated to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701 or Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Urbana at the above address.