BOLINGER, Gwennyth

BOLINGER, Gwennyth

Gwennyth Maria (Barlow) Bolinger, age 66, of Gleichen, AB, passed away November 24, 2016 at the Strathmore Hospital, surrounded by her family. Her life was cut short by cancer. Born March 4, 1950 in Calgary, AB to Noel and Jeanne Barlow, she grew-up on the family farm near Carseland. She attended school there from grades 1 through 12, graduating in 1968. She completed her formal education at the University of Calgary with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. In August 1973 she moved to Gleichen to begin her career as a teacher. The previous winter at a local curling bonspiel, her fun loving ways caught the attention of her future husband Stuart, and on April 15, 1974 they were married. She resigned from teaching full time in 1976, to expand into her role as a farmer, community builder and mother. Their children arrived in 1978, 1980 and 1982. They moved to their existing farm in 1982. Gwennyth loved to garden. The first new potatoes each season were a reason to celebrate. She had a gift for arranging flowers and making wreaths. She shared her flowers generously. She encouraged other gardeners with transplants, seedlings and friendly advice. A keeper of family traditions and history, Christmas was especially important to her. She kept up her connection with relations here in Canada and overseas. Growing up, summer holidays were always spent with relatives in BC, and her later travels took her to Great Britain, France, Belgium, Denmark and many of the United States. Her trips always included family and friends. Since 2011 there were annual trips to California with Stuart, to enjoy golf and camping in the desert at 29 Palms. Gwennyth loved people and was a generous volunteer. Key groups included: the library board, Gleichen curling club, communities in bloom and the fall fair committee. She played the organ and sang for mass, first at Saint Victor’s in Gleichen and up until last year at Saint Mary’s in Cluny. She was known for her warm smile and infectious laugh. She sang and smiled almost every day. Facing a tough diagnosis, she lived graciously and courageously until the end. She leaves behind a legacy of strong faith, generosity and loyalty. Her kindness towards others extended beyond her family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Stuart, her children Martine (Edward), Ian (Jennie) and Alex (Hannah), her grandchildren Sophia, Agatha, Reid, Lily, Aleah, Drew and Bennett, her sister Happy Barlow (Bob Caywood) plus many nieces and nephews. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cluny at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cluny at 11:00 a.m. If desired, memorials may be made directly to Wheatland and Area Hospice Society (Box 2154 Strathmore, AB T1P 1K2 or www.wheatlandhospice.ca). Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. McNeely, Dr. Manocha and all the staff of the Strathmore Hospital for their loving care in the past few months.
“Peace begins with a smile” Mother Teresa
To send condolences, please visit Gwennyth’s obituary at www.wheatlandfunerahome.ca