In Loving Memory of Gwendolyn Honor (Mitchell) Lee
Our beloved Mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed on peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital on Mar. 23, 2010. She was 88 years old.
Gwen is survived by: her five children – Eric, Susan, Gordon (Susan), Bruce (Gail) and Wayne (Carole); her 10 grandchildren; and, her 15 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband Wallace, brother Eldon, and an infant grandchild.
Gwen was born on May 10, 1921, and spent her early years in rural Manitoba. When she was 17, she won the Canadian 4-H Poultry Club Judging Championship at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair, where she met her future husband. She graduated from a secretarial college in Winnipeg in 1941.
Gwen was always an active person, raising five children, caring for foster children at home, in addition to many business, social and community activities outside of family times. Over the years, she raised miniature Schnauzers, operated a hair dressing business, collected and sold postage stamps, belonged to Sweet Adelines clubs, sold Mutual Funds, and, sang with and led several church choirs. She was also a founding member and first manager of the Beautiful Plains Credit Union in Neepawa, Manitoba. She served on the Saskatchewan Executive Council for the National Status of Women.
She moved to Salt Spring Island in 1989, and became involved in volunteer activities with the United Church and Salt Spring Seniors until she suffered a stroke in 1998. She enjoyed her independent lifestyle in Brinkworthy, always supported by loving family and caring neighbours.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Lady Minto Hospital, and Dr. Leavitt, for their attention and gentle caring in Mom’s final days. Donations in her name to Lady Minto Hospital Foundation would be most appreciated.