Glocks are very good guns. Its a preference thing. I've shot several Glocks and all perform great. They are easy to use and clean. I just don't like the feel,its all preference. Most are similar as far tearing apart for cleaning. Nothing to complicated.
The Springfield comes in different lengths. Not sure off the top of my head.
Have you thought about revolver for your wife? Very simple to use. Easy to clean. Plus you can get a .357 thatwill shoot .38+P bullets.
Look for a gun shop around you that has a firing range that let's you tryout guns before you buy. There should be several around. Think we have four around here. Like I said Palmetto State Aromry is one I would check out
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms.html