DEWAR, Gwendolyn Bernice (nee Southall)

DEWAR, Gwendolyn Bernice (nee Southall)
Nov 06, 1925 – Nov 06, 2016

Gwen passed peacefully on her 91st birthday with her family by her side. She is survived by her son Ken (Darlene) grandchildren Kyle (Katherine) and Kathleen, and two great grandchildren, Karina and Kaden; her daughter Dianne Hallstrom (Don), adopted granddaughter Patricia, great grandchildren Danielle, Dillan and Brady Notte; her nephews Jesse Vary and Jim Dewar and her niece Colleen McCall. Gwen was predeceased by her father, Albert Southall, mother, Ellen Southall (Seeley) stepfather Bill Seeley, infant brother Sonny and her loving husband Doug. Born in Sylvan Lake, Gwen spent much of her childhood in rural Alberta as her father operated grain elevators. The family lived in Sylvan Lake, Conrich, Ardenode and Standard and other small Alberta towns. Gwen was always full of fun liked to sing and tap dance. Together with her lifelong friend Betty Jo, they entered many talent shows in Standard and surrounding towns. She loved music and was often found playing records of the old crooners all times of the day. During the Second World War Gwen joined the Canadian Armed Forces and worked as a switchboard operator. After the war she continued to work for the military based out of Suffield, where she met Doug. Gwen and Doug were married Nov 06, 1948, Doug continued with a career in the military and they lived in various cities across Canada. Their son Ken was born in Medicine Hat and their daughter Dianne in Lachute, Quebec. Doug retired from the military in 1973 and they settled at Lake MacDonald, Quebec by his parent’s farm. In the early eighties they moved to Gwen’s home ground of Strathmore to be near her mom Ellen, Ken, Dianne and their families. From Strathmore Gwen and Doug enjoyed wintering in Yuma, AZ for many years. Everyone who met Gwen will fondly remember her fun loving nature, and somewhat feisty personality, which remained until the end. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Lord of All Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bryan Beveridge of St. Michael’s Anglican Church officiating. In lieu of flowers donation may be made in Gwen’s name to the Veteran’s Foodbank (#210, 1235 – 17 ave. SW, Calgary, T2T 0C2) or online at www.canadianlegacy.org. The family extends their thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Strathmore Hospital and Peter Lougheed Centre.
To send condolences, please visit Gwen’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca