Gladys Spellman (March 1, 1918 - June 19, 1988), a democrat, was a U.S. Congresswoman who represented the 5th congressional district of Maryland from January 3, 1975 to January 3, 1981. While in Congress, she served on the Committee on Banking, Currency and Housing, the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. On October 13, 1980, Spellman suffered an incapacitating heart attack, rendering her comatose for the final years of her life. Her seat was declared vacant until Steny Hoyer won it in special election. The Baltimore-Washington Parkway, a scenic north-south highway in Maryland, is dedicated to Spellman.
Preceded by: Lawrence Hogan Representative of the Fifth Congressional District of Maryland 1975 - 1981 Succeeded by: Steny Hoyer
