She was a model of civility and dedication to the common good of people in the community that everyone in public life should aspire to be
A Statement from the Town of Lincoln on the passing of Former Mayor Gladys Huffman, with a Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper
Posted February 18th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Gladys Huffman, a groundbreaking servant of the people in Niagara
A Brief Foreword Note by Doug Draper – Chances are that most people under the age of 50 have no idea who Gladys Huffman was, let alone the groundbreaking role she played in Niagara for women seeking to serve in public office.
It is equally sad to think of how few of us may remember or appreciate that Gladys Huffman, who served as the first female mayor for the Town of Lincoln and the first female Niagara Regional Councillor for that municipality, not to mention the first female Chair of the Niagara Regional Police Commission (now the Niagara Region Police Services Board), exemplified a time when civility and serving the people and public good of your community played a greater role in politics than it seems to in these rather more self-serving and uncivil times we are living in today.
As her obituary reads; “She was considered to be a local trailblazer, at a time when women were still often struggling for equal footing in public office.”
I had the pleasure of getting to know Gladys Huffman during the 1980s and early 1990s when I was a reporter at The St. Catharines Standard and she served both as the Mayor of Lincoln and as a Niagara Regional Councillor. And although I did not always agree with the positions she took on issues, I never doubted for a moment her dedication and her concern for the welfare of people in Lincoln and across this Niagara region.
We urgently need more people with that kind of selfless dedication to community back in public office today.
To a most warm and caring person, and model for what public service should be. Rest In Peace, Gladys Huffman.
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Doug Draper, Niagara At Large.
Now here is the statement on her passing from the Town of Lincoln –
Lincoln, ON – (February 18, 2026) – Council and Staff of the Town of Lincoln extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Lincoln Mayor Gladys Huffman, who passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at the age of 90.
A lifelong public servant and dedicated community leader, Former Mayor Huffman made history in 1978 when she became the first female Mayor of the Town of Lincoln. At a time when women were still striving for equal footing in leadership and politics, she broke barriers with courage, confidence and determination, paving the way for future generations of women in public life.
Former Mayor Huffman’s commitment to service extended well beyond her term as Mayor. She went on to serve as a Regional Councillor and later became the first female Chair of the Niagara Region Police Commission, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in Niagara. Following her retirement from elected office, she remained deeply engaged in her community, volunteering her time with local organizations and continuing to champion civic involvement.
Mayor Sandra Easton reflected on Former Mayor Huffman’s legacy:
“On behalf of Council and the Town of Lincoln, I extend our sincere condolences to Gladys’ family. As our first female Mayor, she was a true pioneer whose leadership and common-sense approach left a lasting mark on our municipality.
She inspired countless young women and girls to see themselves in positions of leadership. Her contributions to Lincoln and the Niagara Region will not be forgotten.”
Former Mayor Huffman will be remembered for her sharp wit, welcoming smile and unwavering dedication to her community. She served with integrity and heart, and her legacy continues to resonate throughout Lincoln.
In recognition of her service and in honour of her life, the Town of Lincoln will lower flags at all Town facilities from Friday, March 13 to Monday, March 16. A black ribbon will be placed on her photographs at Town Hall (Council Chambers display case) and within the 50 Faces installation at the Fleming Centre.
A Celebration of Life <https://app.cyberimpact.com/redirect? ct=SH3YFPyjSH6qvuI6mhdDyaMEqI1zmS24cyBwu- fy3BjtdAXJNBpldxcTZ9ZBdzBKYV7Fhx7YQ__zIpCzKZPT2ZZOcYzL0rpdx4S- E4_40FWiVXrNg9aq_TAv73uMEd8w> will take place on March 15 in Milton. The Town kindly asks community members to keep Former Mayor Huffman’s family in their thoughts during this time.
Her light and leadership will remain a proud part of Lincoln’s history.
To read the obituary for Gladys Huffman, click on – https://brantfordexpositor.remembering.ca/obituary/gladys-huffman-1093490684
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