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
Scott Voelzing
Jennifer French
Murray and family,
It is with a heavy heart I send you my thoughts at this sad time. Loosing someone is tough, but loosing such a fun loving, outgoing, social lady as your Mom during Covid is even worse. Cheerish your happy times, remember all the love and laughter, shed the tears of sadness and of joy. Know you are all in our thoughts at this time.
Conrad and Lucie Ogrodnik
Murray and Teri,
Lucie and I were saddened to hear about the sudden loss of your mom. We know how close you were with her and that is something precious to remember. It is always hard to lose a parent at anytime.
To Joe, Pat and Rebecca, our deepest sympathies for the loss of your grandma.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Woodruff Family
Dear Murray and the entire Cameron Family
We were all very sadden to hear the news of your loss, it is sad to loss a love one at any time, having lost a loved one in the last 8 weeks we can easily sympathize with what you are going thru.
Try to remember all the good times and laughs she brought you and yours, and how happy she is now being reunited with your dad. Murray we been best buds for the better part of our lives, my love, thoughts and prayers go out to you, Sue,Joe, Pat, Rebecca, Teri and Mike. Please feel free to reach out for help if you think there is anything we can do, from Greg, Ellen, Ryan,Sarah and Sean.
Donna McFaul
My deepest sympathy to the family. How apt to describe her as a 'force of nature'.
An accomplished nurse, a great business woman and a colleague and Executive Director who brought humanity and humour to her role at the Community Nursing Registry. Her staff, and I was one of them join in praising and remembering her.. Gwen, you will be so missed.
Pat and Muriel Chapman
So do sorry for your loss we loved her dearly Gwen was always a lady on the go so glad to call her a friend will truly miss her..deepest sympathy to al love and prayers
Francois and Gail Godbout
Finding it so hard to believe that you are gone so soon dear Gwen! So many memories and adventures we lived together, some so deep and life changing and others so fun we nearly "laughed our heads off!! You will be missed dear friend and I know in my heart that we will meet again one day! Until then we will remember and be thankful for the many years we enjoyed with you!! Big hugs as always! Gail and Francois
Lorraine Dumoulin
Oh my goodness, that is so sad. She was an incredible lady. Diane Richer, Bowling Team member, Ladies Friendship Bowling League
Lorraine Dumoulin
Ah c triste Luce étais très surprise elle as été sur son équipe une année et elle ne disait qu’elle étais très active.... bridge... carte,,, bowling.... mais c comme sa des fois sa frappe vite.... et c mieux que d’être malades et souffrir pendants des années .... mais c tjr triste. Message from Joanne Lavergne, Ladies Friendship Bowling League
Lorraine Dumoulin
Ah c triste Luce étais très surprise elle as été sur son équipe une année et elle ne disait qu’elle étais très active.... bridge... carte,,, bowling.... mais c comme sa des fois sa frappe vite.... et c mieux que d’être malades et souffrir pendants des années .... mais c tjr triste. Message from Joanne Lavergne, Ladies Friendship Bowling League
Terri and Murray,
I was saddened to hear of your mom's passing. I have wonderful memories of working with her at the Ottawa General hospital, and spending time with her, at her home. She had a wonderful sense of humour, and she was always considerate and warm with me. I know losing your mom is painful, but be comforted by the memories and wonderful exeriences you both have had with her as your mother.
Sending you peaceful thoughts at this time.