On June 11, 2026, Archodessia "Dixie" Gleason (née Glyphis), devoted mother of Ereni Malfa and Emily Reymer, and cherished grandmother of Tommy, Anders, Emmalina, and Kate, passed away in Towson, Maryland. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Thomas J. Gleason, and her dear brothers, Colonel Benedict E. Glyphis and Nicholas Glyphis.

Dixie was born in 1933 on the small Greek island of Lipsi, which at the time was under Italian occupation in the years following World War I. Her father, Emmanuel Glyphis, had immigrated to the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 1928 before returning to Lipsi to marry Irene and begin their family. As a result, Dixie and her older brother, Ben, were born with Greek, Italian, and American citizenship.

As political tensions mounted in Europe and Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini strengthened their alliance through the Rome–Berlin Axis in 1936, Dixie's parents made the difficult decision to leave their homeland, fearing what life on the island might become under fascist rule. Her father traveled ahead to America to secure work and housing, while Irene undertook the extraordinary journey alone with two young children. Traveling first by boat to Italy, then by train through France, they ultimately crossed the Atlantic aboard the Île de France, arriving at Ellis Island in September 1937.

The family initially settled in Martins Ferry, Ohio, home to a vibrant Greek community, before eventually making Baltimore their permanent home. There, Emmanuel owned and operated the River Drive Inn on Thames Street in Fells Point. The establishment was later managed by Irene and became affectionately known throughout the neighborhood as "Miss Irene's." Dixie had a big role in supporting her mother as she took over running the bar after her father's passing.

In the 1960s, Dixie served as assistant to Bob Embry at Baltimore City's Department of Housing and Urban Renewal during a transformative period in the city's history. Deeply committed to her community, she became actively involved in efforts to stop the proposed expansion of a roadway that would have cut through Little Italy, Fells Point, and Canton, forever altering the character of those historic neighborhoods.

It was through this civic engagement that she met Thomas Gleason, then a doctoral student in physics at Johns Hopkins University, who had also become involved in community activism through his father. Together, they worked on Barbara Mikulski's first campaign for public office, helping launch the future senator's successful bid for the Baltimore City Council. Dixie and Tom married in January 1969, at a time when it was highly unusual for a Greek woman to marry outside her culture. Their marriage became a loving partnership that endured for decades.

Among the many accomplishments of which Dixie was proud was serving as the very first security officer for Gleason Research Associates, her husband's consulting firm, which began in the family home in Columbia, Maryland. She embraced the role with characteristic warmth and hospitality, helping support a venture that would grow and flourish over the years.

More than any title she held, Dixie treasured being a mother. She took immense pride in Ereni and Emily and delighted in the women they became. She was their fiercest advocate and most loyal champion, offering encouragement without condition and love without measure. Her daughters knew that no matter the circumstance, they could always count on their mother's strength, humor, honesty, and abiding belief in them. The bond they shared was one of deep affection and enduring gratitude.

Later in life, Dixie developed an unwavering devotion to the Baltimore Orioles. She rarely missed a game on TV and knew every player's story. Yet of all the roles she played throughout her remarkable life—as immigrant, daughter, community advocate, wife, and mother —none brought her greater joy than being a grandmother. Tommy, Anders, Emmalina, and Kate occupied the most treasured place in her heart. She delighted in their accomplishments, celebrated their individuality, and surrounded them with unconditional love. They were, without question, her greatest pride and deepest joy.

Dixie's life was defined by courage, resilience, devotion to family and faith, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities she loved. From a small island in the Aegean Sea to a life deeply woven into the fabric of Baltimore, she leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and fierce love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Friends and family are welcome to the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home (Beltway exit 26) for visitation on Monday, June 15 from 4-8 PM where a Trisagion will be held at 6 PM. Mrs. Gleason will lie in state on Tuesday, June 16 from 10-10:30 AM with the funeral service to begin at 10:30AM at the Chapel of the Holy Resurrection at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery, 5917 Windsor Mill Road, Baltimore, MD, 21207. Interment to follow also at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation; 24 W. Preston St.; Baltimore, MD 21201 www.annunciationbaltimore.org