Peacefully at her home surrounded by love on June 5, 2023 of Vanastra in her 88th year. Beloved mother of Vicki Craig (Rick), Patti Hendriks (Henry), Gail Riehl (Barry), David O’Rourke (Trina), and James O’Rourke. Proud Grandma Gwen of Breanna, and Connor; Brittney (Quinn), Tyler (Emily), and Kylie; Kim (Adam), Craig (Danielle), and Kayla (Lucas); Jared (Danielle), Kyle (Laura), and Ryan; and great grandma of 9. Dear sister of Joan Vandermey (Nick), Marg Dale, Ken Britton (Pat). Missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Olive (Workman) and Herb Britton.
Everything in her life centered around her family. Gwen was committed to her volunteer work in her community and was especially proud of her many years of service volunteering with the Blyth Festival Theatre and Blyth Steam Threshers. Music was an essential part of Gwen’s life; she was an active musician and singer at many jamborees, Tuesday and Thursday Tunes, and was known for her love to dance. Gwen was an avid gardener and felt very blessed to be able to enjoy the wonderful display of spring flowers at her home, where she spent her final weeks celebrating her life amongst family and close, cherished friends.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, SEAFORTH on Monday, June 12th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Registration is preferred; however all are welcome. Please click “Register Now” below, to register.
Gwen’s Memorial Service will be held at Egmondville United Church 26 Kippen Rd, Egmondville on Tuesday, June 13th at 11 AM. Pastor Brian Hymers, officiating. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Mitchell. Friends and family will be welcomed at the Seaforth Community Centre following the memorial service. Gwen’s fellow musicians are invited to bring their instruments as we celebrate her passion for music.
Donations to the SE Health 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).
Sonja [berg] Seiler
condolences to the O’Rourke family
Lisa & Adam Steffler
Adam has many memories of “Grandma Gwen” while hanging out with the O’Rourke boys. Within minutes of meeting Grandma Gwen – her friendliness put you at ease and made you feel welcome. We are sorry for your loss, and grateful for all of the memories shared with your grandmother (and mother) over the years.
Lisa & Adam Steffler
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Angela Smith
Gwen will be dearly missed by the musicians and dancers of Thursday Tunes. Our sympathies to all of you.
Carol Coleman
Dave & Trina, Patti & Henry and all of Gwen’s family,
Sending heartfelt condolences to each of you. I have never forgotten what a warm, wonderful and caring soul she was, even though it has been years since our paths had crossed. So sorry for your loss.
Carol Coleman
John & Michelle
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Gwen was such a Sweetheart! She will be missed! Sending hugs💕
Cathy Harman
To all of Gwen’s family. I had the pleasure of meeting Gwen thru my parents (Pauline and Gaetan Jacques) many years ago. Gwen was very kind person and always smiling. My Mom and Dad were thinking of her this past spring, talking about the good times they all had together. Now she will be reunited with my parents 💕 Rest in Peace Gwen.
Cathie Alexander
My sincere sympathies to Gwen’s family at this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
CHRISTI DEJONG
Patti, Henry & Family,
We have many fond and funny memories of Gwen at the shop, she loved to get right in the car with Darrell to show him what it was doing!! She was a character, always full of stories about the family and so interested in what everyone was doing. On her most recent visit this spring, she told me how much she’d enjoyed a family event that weekend. Treasure your many memories of her.
Darrell & Christi DeJong
Ronald & Theresa Murray
To the family of Gwen, Thinking of you in the loss of your dear mother, Our deepest sympathy & prayers. Ron & Theresa Murray.
Bonnie and Luke Janmaat
We were heartbroken to hear of Gwen’s passing. She was part of our family at Progressive for many years . .. and we all enjoyed her friendship over the years. Gwen was loved and so well respected by all who knew her – she touched so many lives.
Our deepest condolences to her family.
William Price
To Gwens’ Family, So very sorry to hear of Gwens’ passing. Gwen was a terrific lady and lived every day to the fullest. She will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to all her family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Bill and Gail Price
Geraldine Wilson
I wish to extend my sympathy and prayers to all the family.
Geraldine Wilson
Andrea Barclay and Richard Osborne
Dave, Trina and family
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s illness and passing. I had only met her a year ago but she was such a wonderful, loving lady. She sang me happy birthday when she met me and what a lot of fun she was! I am sure that you have many wonderful memories of her that you can cherish in the days and years ahead. Our sympathy to all of you.
Rose weir
I only knew Gwen for a few years. We joked about being sisters……and dreamed about hitting the road together to sing songs. She was always ready to have some fun and a few laughs. You will be missed in our music circle…sister.
reg whyte
to all family
May your memories keep your hearts happy!
Regi and Bill Whyte
Cindy Engel
My deepest sympathy to Gwen’s family, she was so full of life and a wonderful lady to talk to, she will be missed.
Karen Cronin
Gwen was a great neighbour and will be missed by all who knew & loved her. Keep her memory in your hearts. You now have a new guardian angel watching your families.
Sandra Hern
To Gwen’s family, and Joan and Nick and their family,
We extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Gwen, a dear Mom and Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. We know how much she was loved and admired for her gift for, and love of music. She is no doubt adding to the sweet sounds of a Heavenly Choir now.
Pete and Tammy Martene
Our heartfelt condolences to Gwen’s family. Gwen was a beautiful person with a great smile who touched many lives. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Pete and Tammy Martene
David Wall
We have enjoyed playing music with Gwen at Tuesday Tunes in Seaforth and later at Thursday Tunes in Clinton
Wayne & Bonnie Keller
Vickie and family. So sorry to hear of your Mom passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all………….. Wayne &Bonnie Keller
Arend and Janny Streutker
Our condolences to Gwen,s Family
judy and paul mellor
so sorry to see this she was such a great lady always made you feel welcome she will be missed i use to run into her in the strangest places and we always had a laugh or two
Frank & Marian Hallahan
Our sincere sympathy to all of Gwen’s family.
We have shared many laughs, stories, and good times over the years at the Blyth Threshers Reunion, and at Tuesday and Thursday tunes. A good friend, and volunteer to many.
We will miss you Gwen.
Joanne Reid
I always enjoyed my visits with Gwen. She always had a smile on her beautiful face. Loved having her as a neighbour when she had the little property behind my place in Varna.
Rest easy Gwen with a tune in your heart ❤️.
My condolences to Gwen’s family.
Don & Marie Jefferson
Vicki; Don and I send our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your Mom. She was one busy lady who will be missed by many friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the difficult time.
Shelley and Dan Merner
Our deepest sympathies to all the families. Gwen always loved to have a chat and we always enjoyed a good laugh. She will be missed by everyone who has known her. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Gwen ❤️
Gerrit and Alida Van Walderveen
Our sincere condolences to the family of Gwen.
Ruth Herman
Dear Vicki,Patti and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about Gwen’s passing. I look back fondly of our fun times years ago. Your Mom was a sweetheart. May you rest in peace Gwen. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone.❤️
Robin Duncan
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom. Your mother will e greatly missed. She was a gem..
It doesn’t matter how old we are. we always need our Mothers. Our prayers are with you and your family..
Robin, Stephanie, Taylor and Spencer..xoxox
Wanda Dietz
What can I say that hasn’t already been said ? Gwen was truly all of those things. She will be missed. My Sincere Sympathy to all of the family.
Her friend – Wanda Dietz.
Julaine Adams
Our sincere condolences to Gwen’s family.
Your mom was a very positive and extraordinary woman. She had a zest for life and laughter. She was a great friend to both our mothers, Ethel Adams and Betty Fry, and then eventually ours!
We had the pleasure of having your mom stay over night with our moms, at our home on Stoney Lake, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
We shared many laughs, and of course, lots of music together.
I also had the privilege of playing music with your mom at the different music jamborees in the Seaforth/Blyth area.
Needless to say, we have many fond memories of your mom.
She will be sincerely missed.
Julaine Adams/Karen Fry
Fran Kuntz
Heartfelt sympathies to Gwen’s family. I first became acquainted with Gwen at Coffee Break.
Will miss her friendship.
Fran Kuntz
Catherine Melady
Thinking of all of you at this sad and difficult time, sending prayers and my deepest sympathy.
Cheryl Hesselwood
I am so saddened to read this. She was full of laughter and many jokes. Rest in peace. My sympathies to all.
Marian Finlayson
My sincere sympathy to all of Gwen’s family. Gwen had a huge heart and loved life. She will be dearly missed.
Thinking of you all.
Merv and Donna Bauer
Meet Gwen the first time at the Blyth Threshers, she loved being one of the commentators on the people movers always willing to fill in a vacant spots. She loved the music, and was always smiling or many time laughing. She will be missed..
Merv and Ruby Kumm
Deepest sympathy to the O’Rourke and Britton families. Gwen was such a lovely lady full of fun and energy. Always shared a laugh while we reminisced our younger years growing up next door in the neighbourhood. Brittons, Lannins and Belfours had a strong long lasting bond and we all enjoyed each others company. We will dearly miss Gwen at our Thursday Tunes, where she demonstrated her love to sing and playing the guitar.
Heaven has gained a true angel. Hold those lovely memories near and dear to your heart and let them bring a smile to your face. RIP Gwen.
Hugs to all- Ruby and Merv Kumm
Jim Chapman
To Gwen’s Family :
My deepest sympathy to all of you !
I first met Gwen at the “Crystal Palace ” in Mitchell.
I enjoyed several dances with her during the evening but she would not
allow me to escort her home – too old I guess .
Anja McGowan
My sincere condolences to all of Gwen’s family. Words cannot possibly begin to ease your hurt and sorrow. May all the precious memories of Gwen carry you through these difficult times. I met Gwen just after we moved to Seaforth — at the farm for the first Primitive Creek open house. We worked together wrapping people’s purchases when we were not laughing and carrying on. We had so much fun. Gwen was a special lady. Blessings.
Diane & Gary Leonard
Sincerest sympathy in the loss of your Mom, Vicky and Patti and Family♥️. My memories of your Mom are from forty years ago, and I remember back then, she was a Lady with a great smile who loved her Family and of course those good old Irish tunes.
Heather Fitzsimmons
I am very sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing .Gwen was a lovely person and we had some good times at Hully Gully when doing first aid there. when we moved to Vanastra I was 3 houses from Gwen . it was always a great time being with her.
Bill and Sibyl Henderson
Our condolences on the loss of Gwen. A lady who always had a smile and a friendly word for everyone she met. Bill and Sibyl Henderson
Lori Parsons
Deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Paul & Lori Parsons & family
Charlotte Parsons
You will be sadly missed. Old Friends Harold and Charlotte Parsons
John Lowe
My deepest condolences to all of Gwen’s family. I appreciated getting to know Gwen several years ago. She was quick to step up to the plate and assist me at the Thresher’s Church service. She greeted everyone with a smile before ensuring attendees didn’t park their lawn chairs and “rumps in the aisle” blocking the way. There was always many stories around who did what each year. Thanks, Gwen, for the laughs. May you rest well.
HILRITA ARTS
So Sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. Great lady, fun to be around and a solid mom.
May your memories dry your tears and soon bring laughter and warmth to your hearts.
Talk of her often and she will always be close.
HILRITA ARTS
Dorothy Gaiser
Deepest sympathy to Gwen’s family. So many good memories for you. Met Gwen years ago at jamboree’s of course. She will be missed.
Bob and Janet Hulley
All our sympathies to the whole family. She will be sorely missed and missed in a lot of places to. A lot of lives were made better by knowing her.
Jim and Janneke Murray
Please accept our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed chatting over the years. She will be missed by family and friends.
Louise Harris
My deepest sympathy to all, Gwen will be dearly missed by so many, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you 🙏
KEITH , Kim and family
We will truly miss Gwen at Riley’s and Jose’s birthday parties and family gatherings , she always knew how to light up a room with her smile and laughter . What an incredible lady. Everyone that was fortunate enough to meet Gwen will have so many good memories of her that will help to get through this sad time.
Condolences to Gwen’s family are thoughts are with you all.
Doug and Anne McGregor
She was a caring woman, always a smile and a heart of gold. She has a great sense of humor she will be truly missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Doug & Anne McGregor
Donna Garland
Dear Patti,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Losing my own, I know it’s really hard and you will miss her.
Take time for yourself.
Sincerely, Donna Garland
Joy Ross
My Deepest Sympathy to all Gwen’s family, she will be missed by a lot of people, loved her family and music, Sorry for your loss!
Russell Archer
My condolences to Gwen’s family. She was a great neighbour of mine and always had a laugh with her. RIP Gwen
Gary Coursey
So sorry to hear of your loss. As others have said she was always smiling and had something good to say. She will be missed.
Tom & Ruth Richardson
My wife,Ruth and I were shocked at hearing that Gwen passed away.
She was always so active,and laughing and joking around,
especially at family gatherings.
Our condolences go out to Gwen,s family.
Rest in peace Gwen.
from Tom & Ruth Richardson
Cheryl Talbot
she was a great lady always had a smile and a hi how are you. will be missed by many Rest In Peace Gwen.
Shirley hosper
My deepest sympathy. Gwen will stay in my memory as a fun loving, compassionate lady. My life has been enriched by knowing her.
Joanne and Paul Matthews
We are so sorry for your great loss. Your mom always had the biggest smile on her face.. and we are going to miss her big time.
Cheryl Durand
Sorry to hear about the passing of this lovely person. Gwen excelled in life. She was a happy person and loved by many. Sending my condolences to her family. Gwen you may sing with the angels and beam your joy upon us. Rest In Peace.
Brian Guichelaar
Dear family,
Our condolences to the family. A wonderful lady, she will be missed by all. Always willing to chat about anything and enjoyed her farm fresh eggs. Cherish the memories.
Brian and Laurie Guichelaar
Sue & Rob Nigh
Sorry to hear about about Gwen’s passing she will be missed by many! Sending prayers to all of her family 🙏
Patrick & Maryann Feeney
To Gwens family. Deepest sympathy in your loss. We remember her as a fun and vivacious person. Oh and that laugh. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Glen J. Smith
To all of Gwen’s family . So sorry for your loss 🙏. A great lady in life always a smile in her voice. I’ve known Gwen for Over 50 years. A wonderful lady in all
she has done. Gwen will be missed by family & all of those she met. Heaven has gained an Angel 💗 great memories knowing Gwen.
Linda &Jerry Traquair
Dear David, Trina & family,
It’s so very hard to lose a Mom /Grandma.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Pete and Deb Timmermans
Sincere condolences to Gwen’s entire family….she will be missed by all who knew her….such a special lady.
Karen Murphy
Vicki, Patti, Gayle, David and Jamie,
I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. A lifelong friend and neighbour for many years. You will be missed. Rest in peace Gwen.
Karen Murphy
Carolynn
Dave & Trina Patti & Henry and families
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. Thinking of you at this sad time
Carolynn and Paul Hodgins
Dianne Thuss
So sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing.
My condolences to all of her family and friends. So sorry Marg in the loss of your sister❤️
Marilyn Horne
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Gwen’s family and especially to Marg, Joan and Nick, Ken and Pat. I have many memories of Gwen and will miss her happy and jovial personality. May God be with you all as we navigate the future without her. Sincerely, Marilyn Horne.
Louise Belfour-Dickenson
To Gwen’s Family: I had the privilege of being a neighbour to the Britton Family growing up. Gwen was a lovely, kind person as I recall as a child. I also remember her big smile that would light up a room. The Belfour kids enjoyed playing with Gwen’s kids. I have many fond memories of Gwen and her infectious laugh. God bless you all.
Tom and Joanne Melady
Gwen was a cherished participant in Tuesday Tunes and she so loved all music. Her cheery nature shone a bright light wherever she went. A life well lived. Our condolences to her family.
Kim and Bill, Colton and Quaid Preszcator
Gwen was a lovely lady with such energy and passion for the birds and music.
We will never forget her. She will truly be missed! Our thoughts are with you all.
Cheryl wilkinson
Gwen was a real fun person to be around will miss her music and friendships sincerely Cheryl and Chuck Wilkinson
Keith & Gloria Wilbee
To all Gwen’s family our sincere sympathy. Thinking of you all!
Ron and Ann Thompson
So sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. Our sympathy to all of you. She was a wonderful vibrant lady!
Carolanne Doig
To all Gwen’s family, my sincerest sympathy at this time. She was always a smiling and happy person. Gwen made people feel good and that is a great thing to give people. Sorry for your loss.
Deb Falconer
I will miss you Gwen. That Blue vibe carefully driving by my gate always with a honk honk and big wave. I’ll miss our chats and all of the kindness you shared and spread throughout our community. Your spirit and musical talents will be noticeably absent but never forgotten god bless your family Gwen
Sandi Henderson
Deepest sympathies to all of Gwen’s family. ♥️
Mary and Richard Verberne
So sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. Deepest Sympathy.
Janice Murray & Harry Jansen
My Deepest sympathy.. She was and always will be like a second Mom . She will be happy to see Granny & Mom ❤️
Karen & Randy Stanlake
Gwen was such a caring, giving woman, so full of life! I will miss chatting with her about birds and nature. I worked with her at Kongskilde. NEVER saw Gwen without a smile on her face! She truly had a wonderful full life & will be missed by many. Take comfort in the stories told during the coming days of Gwen’s life. God needed another special angel.
Andy and Linda Smart
Dear Family; To say that Gwen will be missed by us doesn’t begin to express the hollow we feel in our Hearts in the loss of this wonderful lady. She has been our neighbor for more than 30 years and has filled our Hearts with joy, Love and laughter pretty much each & every day. Many of your Family have thanked us as you were grateful how we kept an eye on your Mom / Grandma over these years, we appreciate all the kind words, but if the truth be told, it is the two of us that need to Thank You all for allowing us the privilege for living beside Gwen. She entered our hearts from the first time we met her, and remains there today and forever as one of Gods great Ladies that we had the Honour to have known and Loved as a dear sincere Friend !!! God bless you all !!