Gladys Koss

Gladys Koss of Lewiston passed on March 21, 2025 at age 88. She was born November 18, 1936 in Fall River Massachusetts to Charles and Jessie (Greenberg) Pributsky. She was the youngest of 4 children. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Gerald Pributsky and her sisters Minnie Cohen and Phyllis White. She was also predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Edward Koss, who passed away in April 2024. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law Harold Cohen, Sumner White, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Reba and Joseph Koss and her sister-in-law Selma Holtz. She is survived by her adoring children Charles Koss of Lewiston, Bonnie Wilson (husband Edward) of Yarmouth and Jeffrey Koss (wife Tatiana Melo) of Greenland NH. Gladys is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Molly Wilson of Boston, Joseph Wilson of Yarmouth, Olivia Koss of North Berwick, Joseph Koss of Denver and Theo Melo of Greenland, NH. Other survivors include her sisters-in-law Barbara Pributsky and Shirley Koss and brother-in-law Herbert Koss as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gladys earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Upon graduating, she taught first grade in New Haven Connecticut for 1 year and lived near her sister Minnie Cohen. After completing a year in New Haven Gladys moved to Boston and taught first grade in the suburbs for a year. It was in Boston where she met her future husband Ed Koss. They lived in the same building. As the story was told, he would take Gladys and all 3 of her roommates out for ice cream so he could get to know her. He finally got up the courage to ask her out on a date. They were engaged within 6 months and married within a year. Gladys spent years raising her family. When she went back to the workforce she opened the Shoe Rack with her husband. They eventually closed the shoe store, and she worked at LL Bean for 15 years in customer service.

Gladys was very active in the Lewiston-Auburn Jewish community for many years. She was a wonderful cook and talented baker. She enjoyed trying new recipes. Her happy place was sitting in the sun. In her younger years she enjoyed going to the symphony and to plays in Portland. She could always be found at the LL Bean concerts on Saturday nights in the summer. She was a voracious reader and was a member of a couple of book clubs. She volunteered at local day cares to read to young children which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was a talented sewer, specializing in crafting beautiful curtains and shades that added elegance to any space. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend whose greatest joy in life was spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Their laughter and love filled her heart, and she cherished every moment with them. She had a special bond with each of her grandchildren. She was very fortunate to have her son Charles and daughter Bonnie helping her out as she fell ill later in life. She would often tell friends how lucky she was to have Charles dedicating so much time to assist her. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Andwell for taking good care of her during her final months. Her kindness, warmth and unwavering love will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday March 23rd at 2PM at Temple Shalom in Auburn, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Temple Shalom, in memory of Gladys Koss, to support its ongoing programs and services. Donations can be made at 74 Bradman St, Auburn, ME 04210.