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
Susie Anderson and Mark Dickinson
Sandra Larmour
I was so shocked to learn of Gwen's passing. As many have already stated, Gwen was so full of life and a joy to be around. We had some incredible fun and belly wrenching laughs. Gwen, you will be missed but every time I think of you it will bring a smile to my face and perhaps a giggle or two. YOU WERE A FORCE FOR JOY!!
Stewart nad Judilyn Weatherbee
Teri and Murray
Force of nature indeed!
We had the pleasure of being associated with Gwen in businesses and travelling with her in a group many times. "There is fun to be had," seemed to be her motto and we were to search it out (OR ELSE!!).
Every time we think of Gwen we picture her walking - at a fast rate for anyone, let alone a senior - through airports. Urging us on like a mother chicken with her brood following behind.
Cruises were great places for adventures - sandy beaches, waterfalls in Jamaica to climb, stingrays to swim with (hmmm, that one didn't go over so good with Gwen!)
It wasn't all about fun. Gwen had wisdom to impart and could be no nonsense in doing so, but never to the detriment of the receiver.
Gwen, you were always a people person and we will miss you very much until we meet again in Our Father's house.
Mary Mitchler
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I remember many fantastic visits and road trips to and through Ottawa with her "in command"! She was such a fun loving, life loving person and will be truly missed. Blessings Mary & Larry (Mitchler) Charron
Marilyn Schimek
I met Gwen a few years ago through The Gloucester Seniors Centre bridge groups.
She was a fireball of energy whether organizing an event, feeding the group, greeting at the door or whatever needed doing. She would always be somewhere making and keeping people happy and will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy at this difficult time of sorrow.
David Bruce Scott
I only met Gwen 2 years ago at the Gloucester Senior Centre but she was such a warm and friendly person who welcomed me, a stranger, warmly, making me feel very much at home. Her cheerfulness and positive attitude has left a lasting impression with me. My sincere condolences to her family and may your loving memories of Gwen never be dimmed.
Jackie Comerton
Deepest sympathy
Janina Szmigielski
I worked with Gwen at the old General Hospital (now Bruyère) and the Emergency Department from 1978 to 1980 as a graduate nurse awaiting registration in Ontario. Gwen became a dear friend and close colleague at work. As close friends, Gwen and Allen came to our wedding, Frank and I married on September 9, 1978 in Brantford.
Throughout the years we lost track of each other, however I still have and cherish a letter of commendation she wrote for me in July 1978.
I am saddened by the lost of an old friend and colleague. My deepest sympathy to her children, Murray (Susan) and Teri (Michael Murphy) and the entire family.
Janina Szmigielski
RN (Retired) CHEO
Donna Allan
So sad to lose such a special person. Gwen was like the big sister I never had and always kept me smiling and sometime in trouble. She will be missed by all. My sympaathy to her family and I hope you have lots of good memories to keep her always in your heart.
Natalia Kitt (Estero Florida)
I was one of Joan Heywood’s4 room mates in Cleveland 1960. Although I didn’t know Gwen well, 2 memories stand out. One was at the Heywood’s in Mahopac NY. Gwen arrived in a swirl of activity and at 10 pm after the drive announced she was going to make brownies! She did.
The second was when she came to Florida with two older ladies, for vacation in time share. She decided to come and visit me in Estero, with lots of driving. At the time, we were under hurricane precautions, everyone told to stay put, take cover and Gwen was out riding around. We did eventually go out for dinner together and. It was nonstop stories, chatter and laughter. How wonderful. Enjoyed also reading about her career. Fond memories are precious and priceless, Natalia Kitt
Murray and family
We are sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. It is never a good time to loose someone that we love. May your fond memories of her sustain you in the days ahead.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless.
Susie and Mark