Gwendolyn Smith

BOWLBY-SMITH, Gwendolyn Ruth

August 14, 1947 - May 18, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gwendolyn Ruth Bowlby-Smith share with you her sudden passing on May 18, 2021. Gwen passed peacefully with her two daughters, brother and sister-in-law by her side and, while she will be missed beyond words, Gwen is finally at peace with her Lord and Saviour after fighting a long battle with chronic liver disease.

Gwen was born August 14, 1947 in Tillsonberg ON to Charles Bowlby and Marjorie Stauffer. She is predeceased by her parents and sister, Carolyn McNulty (Phillip). Gwen is survived by her brother, Kenneth Bowlby (Rose), sister Wendy Scanlan (Anthony), and half-siblings Larry Bowlby (Joanne), Janice Moore (David), Jackie Long (Brian).

First and foremost, Gwen was a loving and devoted mother to her two daughters, Jenn Smith-Mantel (Dean) and Heather Arends (William). She was a dedicated foster parent for many years and cared for all she came into contact with, earning her the endearing title of Momma G. Gwen was not more in her element than when she was spending time with her grandchildren. She was a cherished (and she would say “hip”) Nana to Will, Ally, and Nova-Grace, all of whom gave her so much joy, and a bonus Nana to Samuel, Taylor and Robbie.

Gwen will also be missed by many nieces and nephews; her “more-like-sisters” cousins, Connie Meyer (Bob) and Judy Wright (Jim); friends; residents and staff at Chelsey Park where she became an integral and shining part of that community; as well as her church family at Forest City Community Church where she was heavily involved.

Gwen held an unwavering faith in God which she shared with those who surrounded her. Despite many hardships, Gwen’s positive and vivacious personality shone through and she will be remembered for her smile, full on belly laugh, ability to make the best out of any situation, appreciation for the simple things in life (“making memories”, going on country drives, scrapbooking, painting, a riveting game of Words with Friends, visiting over coffee, watching her beloved Jimmy Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life), and her ability to make those she came into contact with feel loved and genuinely cared for. If you met her, you know that she truly left a lasting impression and she will be sorely missed by all.

Gwen’s family would like to send heartfelt thanks for the care and support provided to them by the Palliative team at University Hospital who made an unbearable situation bearable.

True to form, and how she wanted to be remembered, a Celebration of Life (complete with toe-tapping music) will occur when COVID restrictions allow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gwen’s name can be made to St. Joseph's Hospice in London

ON.