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Plant A Tree for Gwendolyn Brain
Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn
Williams
Brain
1925 – 2022
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Obituary of Gwendolyn Williams Brain
Entered into rest February 14, 2022, in her 97th year at Belmont Long Term Care Home, Belleville, Ontario.
Gwen was affectionately known as ‘Pudze’ by her late husband, Dr. Robert Brain, to whom she was married for 69 years. A wonderful mother to Marie Wallace (late Scott), Dr. Martin Brain (Tina), and the late Richard Brain. An endearing grandmother to Michael, Devon, and Sarah. Great-grandmother to William, Thomas, Addison, Raelyn, Bowie, and Remmy. Dear daughter of the late Rev. T. George Marshall and the late Martha Marshall.
In 1947, Gwen graduated in nursing from McMaster University in Hamilton, worked in the Cleveland University Hospital awaiting Robert’s graduation from the College of Podiatric Medicine. Eventually, she and Robert set up residence in Belleville in 1955 and she joined the Victorian Order of Nurses. She was dedicated to lifelong learning and reading, to staying informed about current events worldwide, and made the time at the age of 63 to get her Bachelor of Sociology at Queens University in 1988.
Gwen lived a full and rewarding life in service to others. She generously volunteered her time and enthusiasm in numerous roles in local events, community associations, and charitable organizations such as Heart & Stroke Campaign, Board of the Victorian Order of Nurses, Quinte ALS Society Branch (founding member), Elementary School GrandFriend Program, Belleville General Hospital Chaplain Service, and Telecare telephone counselling for 20 years. She delivered for Meals On Wheels, knitted dolls for refugees. Her outreach of giving was broader than we’ll ever know. The joy and satisfaction of giving anonymously was her gift to herself.
As one of the founding family members of St. Columba Presbyterian Church, she shared her talents over the years. A pianist for church school, church historian (a truly committed scrapbooker and diarist), an active and dedicated session elder for 29 years, organizer of two church ladies groups, conductor of junior and teen choirs, a devoted church school teacher, and organizer of church bazaars to raise funds for church interests and missions. She was a constant, loyal, and present St. Columba member for as long as her health permitted.
She was the consummate host to many home guests including relatives, friends, missionaries, teenagers, and young adults in need. She ensured there was always room at the table for the unexpected visitor.
She was a loyal sister to the late Victor Marshall, the late David Marshall, twin sisters Miriam Gaskin and Ruth Hutchinson, and a loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
The family deeply appreciates the outstanding care she received at Belmont Long Term Care. Rev. Jennifer Cameron will officiate at a private graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery. Those so wishing, may make a contribution to St. Columba Presbyterian Church, or charity of your choice, in memory of Gwen. Arrangements in care of Steel Funeral Home, Moira Street Chapel, (613-968-2273) Belleville.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gwendolyn
Williams
Brain 1925 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Belleville, Province: Ontario