Gladys Lillian Tonnessen

Gladys Lillian Tonnessen, 89, of Cromwell, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. She was the widow of Harald Tonnessen, native of Farsund, Norway. Her life was long and blessed and her suffering mercifully brief. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Gladys was the daughter of the late Bernard Hagen and Sigrid (Claessen) Hagen. She was a former resident of Demarest, NJ and Sandwich, MA before moving to Cromwell six years ago. She attended Nyack Missionary College and was a long-time member of Cresskill Evangelical Free Church in New Jersey and served on the board of the New York Women's Bible Society. After retiring to Sandwich, MA, Gladys became a member of Christ Chapel in Centerville, MA and later joined Hilltop Covenant Church in Cromwell. Gladys had a vibrant Christian faith and was active as a teacher of young women and children, in Bible studies and support of foreign missions throughout her life. Her quiet demeanor belied the tenacious faith and wisdom that made her a patient, supportive listener and a hospitable and faithful friend. Gladys's quiet ministry of personal letters encouraged countless numbers of extended family and friends throughout her life. Surviving are two daughters Lois T. Andersen and her husband Robert G. Andersen of Concord, MA, and Gail R. Tonnessen of Warren, RI; and two granddaughters, Laura (Andersen) Semrau and her husband Scott Semrau of Hillsboro, OR, and Rebecca (Andersen) Tam and her husband Adrian Tam of Brighton, MA. "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongueher children arise and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:26 and 28. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Hilltop Covenant Church in Cromwell. Burial will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Hilltop Covenant Church, 82 Hicksville Rd., Cromwell, CT 06416, the Ministry of Stephen Lutz at the Coalition for Christian Outreach, 5912 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 or http://www.pioneers.org account for Adrian & Rebecca Tam (missionaries-to-be) account #111736. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.