Hedwig A. “Hedy” Gland of New Castle, DE passed away October 29, 2024, after a long struggle with complications of a congenital heart defect.  
Born in 1935 to Michal and Stefania Mielnikiewicz, in Przemysl, Poland, her early years were during the German occupation of World War II.  German soldiers housed themselves in the family’s apartment, along with her family.  When driven by the Russians from Przemysl, Russian soldiers also commandeered their apartment.  
As a child, Hedy lived through the murder of the city’s Jewish and Polish residents, while her grandmother hid a Jewish family in her home.  She recounted when the Russians came, the slaughter of the Jews and Polish people continued, stating there is no love lost for the Russian government in Poland.
At age 12, after her mother’s death, she traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, alone on a ship to join her father in Delaware, who had been able to immigrate earlier because he was born in Pennsylvania.  For Hedy, it was an escape from Poland under Soviet rule, and a chance for a new life.  On immigrating to Delaware, she spoke no English and taught herself to read English, learning from children’s storybooks. 
When Hedy arrived in Delaware, she was granted citizenship as her dad was born in Pennsylvania.  Because immigration laws had changed, her younger brother, George, would have to apply for citizenship.  She expressed sadness that attitudes toward immigrants have deteriorated since then, closing opportunities for those like her.
Hedy struck out on her own early and fended for herself, deciding marriage and keeping house was not her life’s work.  Among her pursuits, she went to modeling school and worked as a model, garnering her elegant sense of style.  She also became an early female employee of the Teamsters union.  When “the Irishman” threatened her for standing up for members’ rights, she left the Teamsters and she eventually found employment with the Dupont Company, advancing in the computer education department.
Her other pursuits included belly dancing, and fortune telling, displaying her rebellious nature.  She was a world traveler, and her last journey was to Przemysl, Poland, where she was able to reunite with family. She was also an avid gardener, a member of the Arasapha Garden Club, and sharing her English-styled garden on Historic New Castle’s annual garden tour.
Hedy was preceded in death by her parents, her dearest husband, Russell Gland, her loving son, Mark Gland, her “bestie” brother George Mielnik, and her gentle nephew in Przemysl, Poland, Ryszard Hlywa. 
She is survived by her “baby” brother, Ziggy Mielnikiewicz, her beloved grandson, Zak Gland, her dearest friend, Lucia Schietroma, her sweetheart of a nephew, Nick Mielnikiewicz, her lucky-to-have-them-as-sisters-in-law, Barbara Hearne and Bonnie Mielnik, her cherished cousin and niece in Przemysl, Poland, Bozena Hlywa and  Adrianna Hlywa, her nephew, Piotr Hlywa in Warsaw, Poland, and many dear friends who have shared in Hedy’s journey. They all are blessed to be part of Hedy’s life, which challenges us all to choose a road less traveled.
Graveside remembrance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery, 3300 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805.  
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Ministry of Caring, 115 East 14th Street Wilmington, DE 19801 or to the Salvation Army, 400 North Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
To offer condolences, please visit:
Gebhartfuneralhomes.com
302.798.7726