October 31, 1923-August 15, 2018
Gwyn, as she was known by all, passed away on August 15 at the Bluewater Rest Home, Zurich, Ontario. She left us without fear, with a deep and abiding faith, with the knowledge she was much loved by her previously deceased husband, the late Arthur Whilsmith, and deeply loved and respected by her children and her grandchildren. Gwyn leaves behind daughters Anita and her children Heather and Duncan, Jo Anne and her husband Stuart and their son Owen, her sons Robert and his daughters Julie, Jenny, Danielle, Braden and his wife Jeannette and their children Christine, Jeffery, Michael, and Noah. Also missed by many great-grandchildren. Gwyn and her husband, Arthur, made Exeter their home for many years. They were both active in the Exeter community. For many years, she was a general reporter and columnist with the Exeter Times Advocate. Her column featured her thoughts on family, community living and spirituality. Her beliefs guided her daily living and she was open and generous in sharing her views on faith to her readers, friends and family. In recent years she celebrated her faith at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield. Gwyn lived in Kingston for a number of years after Arthur’s death, and returned to the Exeter area in 2015. She leaves behind in Kingston many new friends and her support for the church, the theatre, and many other organizations that she came into contact with during her stay in this city. Gwyn continued to publish articles for a variety of print organizations, most notably the Presbyterian Record, until she turned 90. She authored 4 books, including her best seller, Hear The Pennies Dropping, about life in the prairies during the depression. Gwyn was known for her boundless energy, her commitment to helping the less fortunate, her open faith and belief in the goodness in people. Her family is at peace with her passing, knowing that she did not fear death. They do not mourn her death so much as celebrate her life.
From her fourth book, Blessings, a collection of graces, the offering for the day of her death was:
“All are yours who live to love
Teach us how to love our neighbor
Lift us to joy above”
Gwyn’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at 1 PM at the Knox Presbyterian Church 2 Bayfield Main Street, Bayfield. Ontario. Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter (519-235-1220) entrusted with arrangements. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Ruth Nielsen
I just finished reading ( I actually just put it down) “Hear The Pennies Drop”, and am so sad to learn on Google that just last month Gwyn died. I was hoping to find an address to write or phone her. My Mother’s family was from Indian Head, Sask. Mom had so many stories of her childhood there. It was truly the happiest time of her life.”Who Has Seen the Wind” is another story of similar events. I would so much have loved to have met Gwyn. You all must be so proud of her for her talents and all the wonderful messages o f condolences. I have an older sister and I know how important Lola must have been to Gwyn. I hope she is still with you.
How often we passed through Exeter on the way to Grand Bend where my uncle and aunt lived. If only I had read Gwyn’s book earlier. Truly a life well lived and now at peace with her wonderful parents who I also got to know and love in the story.
Susan Brooks
We too loved Gwyn. She was so kind and helpful to us. A visit with her was to learn Wisdom. She encouraged us and helped us see life in different ways. The first time we met was after she rode with Richard and they discovered she had been a neighbor of Richard’s grandmother in Brook SK, and she had a recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies that Grandma had shared with Gwyn, for a cookbook she authored. Gwyn always was positive, down-to-earth and practical. We so enjoyed spending time with her, and glad she has moved on to her reward. Dance on Gwyn, Dance on! Richard & Susan Brooks
Scott Munro
I’m very sorry to hear this news about such a wonderful lady.
My grandfather Perrin Hammond was a cousin of Gwyneth’s and I met her on quite a few occasions when she visited us in Fergus.
We have recently moved to the area and as such while I was unpacking some wonderful books she gave to all of us.
Such wonderful stories and history of a branch of my family.
My thoughts are with you all.
My best regards
Scott Munro
Charlotte clark
Years before I met Gwyn, Joanne kept saying you must meet my mother. The time came when Gwyn came to Kingston and Joanne was so right. Gwyn and I became friends very quickly and our friendship deepened over tea, times of discussing scripture verses, reviewing our beliefs and the beliefs of others.
She came to our little Faith United Church, whenever her Presbyterian friend and chauffeur was out of town and was loved by us all. It was such fun to sit out on the front porch, or in her living room before her fireplace and visit. Many chuckles with those twinkling eyes were shared. One of my favourite topics was “Owen”. And she would say, “ Oh, I don’t know” and then give the wonderful “scoop” on our dear Owen.
Having visited her in Zurich , I know she is happy to be in heaven , having fought the good fight and finished her course. She would expect Charlotte to use some scripture.
I will always remember my friend Gwyn with love.
Carol Rogers
During Gwyn’s short time in Kingston many of us became friends and came to love her. She volunteered at the schools museum using her writing skills to interview retired teachers for our newsletter. She brought to our board her wisdom and sensitivity and sense of humour. We were so fortunate to know her even a short time.
Brenda McLean
Our Deepest Sympathy to Gwyn’s Family from the congregation at Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield. It is so difficult to put in a few words and small space how much Gwyn impacted the life of our church at Knox Bayfield. I can’t think of any areas she was not involved in. Board of Managers, Elder, Women’s Group and Sunday School Teacher. I can speak on a personal level and say Gwyn was a wonderful mentor and I can only hope that the lessons she taught in giving back to church, community and the needs of others less fortunate in the world will always be an important part in my life. She planned many of the outreach programs we were involved and in her eyes there was nothing our little church couldn’t accomplish. My hope is that we will always carry on these Christian values and sense of stewardship. Her accomplishments were many and we are left with such positive memories. She was also a dear friend of my mother, Ruth Talbot for many years.
Prayerfully, Brenda McLean , Knox Bayfield
Beverley J Whilsmith
I will always remember my Aunt for her love and enjoyment of good music, for her lively sense of humour, and her great peals of laughter. She and my Uncle were a great pair for entertaining family and friends.
Love and blessings to all our family members, cousins and beyond, throughout this time of their lives.
Donelda Sturgeon Bayfield Ont
My Deepest Sympathy Braden Jeanette & Families so Sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing Your in my Thoughts & Prayers Hugs to all Donelda Sturgeon & Family
Bob andHelen oates
Our sympathy to the family. I always enjoyed reading her articles and books. She inspired so many with. by sharing her faith. The world is a better place because she was here.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Trudy Smit
To the family of Gwyn Whilsmith.
My heartfelt sympathy to you all, but thankfulness too, Gwyn is with her Lord after an amazing life, I remember her as a special friend and a Grand Lady of the yearly gatherings at Crieff Hills. Many wonderful memories of laughter and great discussions. Remember her for her strong faith and her wonderful hospitality.
Yvonne Reynolds
To Anita. JoAnne, Robert, Braden and families:
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a remarkable woman – one-of-a-kind. I was privileged to have her as a friend for over 40 years. We often shared laughs, tears, confidences and prayers.
Gwyn had the gift of hospitality. and was an effortless hostess. I was often her appreciative guest at St. Joseph’s.
Gwyn dearly loved her God and her family, and had lots of love left over for her multitude of friends. She made a positive and lasting impact on many lives.
Comfort yourselves with the knowledge Gwyn has been welcomed into Heaven with “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Donna Perry
Have so many wonderful memories of Gwyn from her time in Exeter. She was a wonderful lady.
Deepest Sympathy to all her family. Donna Perry
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
With God’s gentle touch,He wrapped her into His arms and released her from her earthly residence into her heavenly home.She was a friend,confidant and an inspiration and much more. We were saddened to hear of her passing.
Steven Dettmer
Remarkable lady. Anita Joanne Robert and Braden my condolences go out to you. Steve
Sonia Gentile
JoAnne:
My sincerest sympathies for the loss of your incredible relationship with such a woman of inspiration. I only had the honour of meeting Gwen a few times but recall her strength standing out despite physical limitations. I am fully aware of the cherished memories that you have of your mother which you have so generously shared. Please let me know if there is any support I can provide and please know that I am thinking of you and your family and will say a prayer for some comfort for you all in knowing that your mother is finally resting.
Judy Mills
To Gwyn’s family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss of a wonderful person who maintained her grace and dignity to the end. I met Gwyn several years ago but remet her at Bluewater. She remembered my mother’s family and would ask questions about them. She even remembered my grandfather and told me a tale about him. She was very happy with her life to that point and was ready to go to meet the Lord. We were blessed to have known her and should learn from her to share our spirituality as she did. God Bless.
George and Sue Wilson
Heartfelt sympathy to the Whilsmith family. Gwen was a lovely lady. She was very kind. Excellent writer. She knew my parents, Doug and Dorothy Insley. Cherish your precious memories of your Mom, Grandma. Hugs and prayers sent.
Irv. Armstrong
To Anita . My thoughts are with you and the family.Gwynand I had several talks when she was at the Villa and Exeter. she had me look at her sewing machine. I gave her a lot of coloured thread. Gwynn was a nice lady and made lot of friends. It has been a long time since we have talk. All the best to you. Irv.
Evelyn Vincent
To Gwen’s family,
Sincere sympathy. Gwen was a good person and will be missed. Praying for God’s peace and comfort to surround you.
Ena de Haan
Dear Gwyn is finally relieved from her suffering and was more than ready to meet her Maker. A wonderful woman & friend who , as her children say, had energy and enjoyed life to the fullest . She loved people but was no ” push-over” , very frank in a good way.