July 16, 1927 - October 5, 2021
Born in High River, Alberta; devoted mother to Lee (Cheryl), Janice (Ken), and special niece Laurie Brown; much loved Grandma to Rachel (Colby), Jackson (Kelly), Brad (Carly), Clayton (Jackie) and Wesley; Great Grandmother to Chloe, Ellie, Sabe and Olivia; loving sister to Jean Morison and Norman Hartwick. She passed away peacefully at Rising Sun Long Term Care in Black Diamond with family by her side. She was a loving Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and cherished friend to many. She was a great listener and made time for anyone needing an ear, offering advice only when asked.
After completing high school Gwen trained to become a Registered Nurse at the Calgary General Hospital where she received the gold medal for general proficiency. She married her childhood sweetheart John in 1950 and was a supportive and enthusiastic partner on the farm and all aspects of their family life. The coffee was always on and impromptu meals provided for anyone dropping in. When they moved to a remote ranch west of Williams Lake, BC, in the Chilcotin area, she home-schooled her two children and cooked for the ranch hands. Her medical expertise again became a great asset as the nearest medical help was 60 miles away and often unreachable due to the isolated area. She took on any challenge and excelled. After they returned to their farm west of High River she worked as a general staff nurse at the High River General Hospital until being elected to the Board of Directors of the High River Hospital where she served for 17 years on various committees locally as well as provincially. She was Chairman of the board for three years.During her time serving on the Board of Directors she worked as a staff nurse at the Turner Valley Hospital.
Gwen was a devoted community member including playing an active role in both the Tongue Creek Church and High River United Church Women as well as the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses. Gwen’s home for the past eight years was ‘The Heartland’ in Okotoks until she admitted to the acute care unit in Oilfield Hospital, and later moving to the Rising Sun long term care unit.
Gwen was predeceased by her husband, John, father, Fred, mother, Alice, brother, Grant, and sister Marion
The family would like to thank the staff at ‘The Heartland’ and the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Oilfields Hospital and the Rising Sun long term care unit for their compassionate care.
Gwen’s wishes are to have a private family service. If desired, memorial donations can be made in Gwen’s memory to the High River Health District Care Foundation or the Sheep River Health Trust. To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral, High River.
