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
Therese Rochefort
Mary Jelinic
Dearest Gwen, what a shock that you left us so quickly. I will cherish memories of our fun times together. Your enthusiasm, energy and positive outlook on life have always been an inspiration for me. To Teri, Murray and your families, my deepest condolences at your loss. With love, Mary.
Catherine Hodgins
Such sad news. I still cannot believe it. I will cherish our last few phone calls and the 50+ years of memories of my dear "Aunt Gwen". Dancing to swedish waltzes til we dropped from exhaustion on many a Christmas, her wonderful stories of growing up on the farm, her great friendship with my Mormor Helga and the bond she had with my mom Phyl. So much love to all Camerons and Johnstons. Her laugh and joy will live on in memory, her children and grandchildren.
Doug and Bev Ouimette
We are so saddened to learn of Gwen's passing. We have very many fond and fun memories of being together with Gwen. She was always happy and full of a child like energy. Our condolences to Gwen's family, may the memories you have of your mom help ease your pain.
Emily Molina
I knew Gwen when she was a member and while I was not with the Registry for a few years, I ran into her at Health and Safety meetings. What a woman, she was honest, caring, fair and above all compassionate. when I spoke to members about her leadership with CNRO, they praised her highly for providing them with security and belonging.
I really liked her!
Phyllis MacNeill
I’m sure going to miss going out for coffee with you.
Love you,
Phyl
Kay Anderson
I am going to miss her. Beautiful service. The music you chose was wonderful. We met when she moved into Rosetown to go to school and we also went to nursing school together. We enjoyed her many visits with us in Arizona. She always brought a smile to your face and lightened any situation.
Sandy and Nathalie Levasseur
The first time we met your mom was at the NAC performance of Mama Mia. Teri and I had arranged to see the show as a mother-daughter outing. Nathalie already adored Teri and we thought Gwen was a gracious and friendly women. Listening to this service and knowing Teri, it is easy to understand how amazing Gwen was. I believe Gwen's friendships and achievements made the world a better place.
Gone but not forgotten. RIP Gwen.