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 Jeanette and their children Noah, Jeffry, Mike and Christine. 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 the 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.
WHILSMITH: Gwyneth Jean (Cann) of Zurich formerly of Exeter and Bayfield
Offer Condolence for the family of WHILSMITH: Gwyneth Jean (Cann) of Zurich formerly of Exeter and Bayfield
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de WHILSMITH Gwyneth Jean Cann of Zurich formerly of Exeter and Bayfield 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Zurich, Province: Ontario
