Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance at the memorial service will be by invitation only. However, you are most welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast on Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m. Click on the above tab to register.
It is with profound sadness that we announce Gwen’s sudden passing at home, on Saturday 21 November 2020 after a brief but courageous struggle with lung cancer. Loving wife of the late Allen and mother of Murray (Susan) and Teri (Michael Murphy) and cherished grandmother to Joseph, Patrick and Rebecca. Dear sister of the late Mary (late Archie Ballantyne), Edna (late George England), Saskatoon, and Joan (Geoff Heywood), Horseheads, NY. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Verna Esslemont (late Roy) and Verla Verrier (late Rene), Winnipeg, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Gwen was born on 12 October 1935 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and was very proud of her prairie heritage. She was a graduate of the inaugural nursing program at the University of Saskatchewan. After their marriage in 1959, Gwen and Al welcomed Murray and then Teri while Al was assigned (by the RCMP) to Regina, followed by Cologne and Hamburg, Germany. In 1967 the family moved to Ottawa and Gwen restarted her nursing career with the Emergency Department at the Ottawa General Hospital. When the new General opened in 1980, she became Head Nurse of the Emergency Department. After retirement from the General Hospital, Gwen joined the Community Nursing Registry of Ottawa (CNRO), eventually becoming its Executive Director. She retired from the CNRO in 2010.
Gwen was a force of nature. She was relentlessly optimistic and her energy level was legendary. Prior to 2020 she travelled often, maintaining relationships with many friends and family members. She was not happy having to isolate by herself during COVID and she made it clear that she “needed to be with people”. To emphasize her point she bombarded us with email jokes and video clips heavily skewed towards being happy and content with life.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and the medical professionals of TOH General Campus, Bayshore Home Health and the Champlain LHIN for their care over the past two months. A special thanks to Dr. Michael Hodgins for spending time with Gwen during her hospital stay.
A memorial service will be held by invitation only. Messages of condolence may be left at the Beechwood Cemetery website (www.beechwoodottawa.ca). In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated. Due to COVID-19, interment in the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery is postponed until 2021.
Digital Guestbook
Lorraine Dumoulin
Lorraine Dumoulin
Soooo so sad. She was very dear to me.
Gracia Chiasson Ladies Friendship League Bowling
Lorrai e Dumoulin
Thank you for letting me know.
RIP Gwen , always remember how kind and sweet you were to me. She will never be forgotten. Very sad news indeed.
Sandra Miller
Ladies Friendship Bowling League Member
Lorraine Dumoulin
Hi Lorraine
Thanks for letting us know about Gwen. I hope it wasn't a drawn out illness. My thoughts are with her family. Appreciate being kept informed.
Will be in touch soon. Pat Duchene
Leslie Golie
Hi Teri,
Tim and I are so sorry to hear about your mom! I know I met her last winter, while she was visiting you in Florida. How awesome that she could be with you and Mike in beautiful weather. I'm sure she appreciated the time she got to spend with you. Peace and Blessing to you and your family. We are thinking of you! -Tim and Leslie Golie (Florida friends)
Kathy Crabbe
I first met Gwen when she was the Executive Director at the CNRO. What a fireball of energy, ideas, and just plain niceness. What I remember the most was her voice and the laughter that seemed to be part of every sentence as if she was thoroughly enjoying ever moment, even those that were especially challenging. Her influence and impact will continue as her lasting testimony to just how unique she was. To Gwen's family, I have to thank you for sharing Gwen with so many people. KC
terry Oscarson
So enjoyed visiting with your lovely mother at Island Towers. We know how very much you will miss her. The year 2020 has certainly had its moments.... I continue to struggle with all the sheltering in place and continued cancellations.
Our schools are distance learning for most grades.
Your mom could probably well identify with the struggles hospitals are now facing.
She was a very classy and fun lady. And will be missed by many. Prayers of comfort and peace to your family.
Carol West
Murray, Teri and family,
I met Gwen through bowling and you weren't kidding about her being a force of nature. To know Gwen was to love her. She was a kind and giving person who never forgot my birthday and other special occasions with her Jackie Lawson cards. I will really miss her and her laugh.
Well Gwen happy bowling in heaven and say hi to Bobbie for me.
All my love, Carol
Marlan and Judy Henry
Marlan and I were so sad to hear of the loss of our dear friend, Gwen. We shared so much with Gwen over the years. She was a loyal and loving friend that we had the honor of partnering with in business for years. We traveled together, laughed so much and loved each other well. She was a gem that will shine on in those that she touched!
Joan Heywood
I still can't believe she is gone. I want to pick up the phone and get her latest news and jokes, I remember our father telling her to tell him the jokes first to be sure they were OK to pass along. It was fun being her younger sister. Joan
Hello my name is Lorraine, I played with your mother with the Ladies Friendship Bowling League for the last 5 years, she was an exceptional woman, will miss her dearly. I have received a number of wishes from the League and I am forwarding them to you. ltd4362@rogers.com