Gwen E. Bushko

Gwen E. Gladfelter Bushko, 71, of Houston, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Born August 4, 1955, Gwen was the daughter of the late Spurgeon and Doris Gladfelter. She grew up in York, Pennsylvania, graduated from York Vo-Tech in 1973, and was raised in The Salvation Army community, where her parents were actively involved.

Gwen married the love of her life, Greg Bushko, on July 14, 1973, beginning a marriage that would span 53 years. As a young couple, they lived in Connecticut while Greg served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Nautilus. They later returned to the Canonsburg area, where they raised their sons, Justin and Michael, and built a life centered around family, friends, and faith.

Gwen spent much of her career caring for and helping others. She worked for 16 years at McMurray Hills Manor as a nurse's aide and office manager and 16 years with Apria Healthcare in medical billing. She later served as activities director at Hawthorne Woods, where she enjoyed helping residents stay active and enjoy life. Gwen finished her career in medical billing at St. Clair Hospital, where she retired.

After marrying Greg, Gwen embraced the Orthodox faith and became an active member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg. She participated in the Ladies Altar Society for many years, including serving as its president, and treasured the friendships and community she found there.

Gwen was outgoing, kind and generous. She made friends easily, would talk to anyone, and rarely met a stranger. She was always willing to help and genuinely wanted to know how you were feeling, and often, what you wanted to eat. Caring for people came naturally to her.

She loved a good story, especially stories about children's escapades, and appreciated a good joke. Gwen enjoyed cards, bingo, bowling, camping, yard sales and bargain shopping. She particularly enjoyed the Chartiers Senior Center Card Club and was also involved with the Red Hat Society.

Gwen loved bringing people together and never passed up an opportunity to celebrate a birthday or have a gathering for family and friends. For more than 40 years, Fourth of July meant a party at the Bushko home, complete with backyard barbecues, family and friends. Many other celebrations took place in “Gwen's Party Room.” Gwen and Greg also enjoyed playing cards, bowling in a league, camping and visiting with friends throughout their 53 years together.

Gwen especially treasured being “Baba” to her granddaughters, Alisabeth and Hope. She loved spending time with them and was always finding crafts and projects they could enjoy together.

Gwen is survived by her husband, Greg Bushko; sons, Justin and Michael; daughter-in-law, Christina; granddaughters, Alisabeth and Hope; and her sister, Cathy J. Putman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Spurgeon and Doris Gladfelter; siblings, Michael, Dennis, and Gloria.

She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a wide circle of family and friends who were an important part of her life. For Gwen, family extended well beyond the walls of her home, and she treasured the friendships and relationships she built throughout her life.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 601 Boone Avenue, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Parastas will be held at 7 pm at the church. Funeral services will be held at the church Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Oak Spring Cemetery in Canonsburg. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc, Joseph Salandra owner/supervisor, 304 W. Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Building Fund or The Salvation Army, honoring two faith communities that played meaningful roles throughout Gwen's life.