Robb, Gwendoline Frances ‘Gwen’
Our beautiful mother, Gwen Robb, passed quietly away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at her residence in Owen Sound at the grand old age of 101. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
There is so much we could say that highlights the character and spirit of Gwen. She had a delightful sense of humour, always ready with a pun or a witty comeback. She had a great sense of fun and definitely a mischievous side. She smiled often and laughed well. She endeared herself to everyone she met with her kindness and interest in them, and her genuine friendliness. She cared and supported not only those she loved, but also her neighbours and friends and those less fortunate. She always endeavored to make those around her feel valued.
She had a passion for learning people’s names and using them. Even in her retirement homes, she strove to remember the names of her caregivers because of her gratitude for their service to her. As her memory faded and names became difficult, she would use little nicknames to help her remember.
“Grama” greatly adored, admired and loved her 5 grandchildren, James and Melanie Malloy, and Cara, Terri and Derek Polson. Her 8 adorable great grandchildren, Lucas and Tyler Brown, Elizabeth Mulholland, Brayden, Nate and Dylan Higgins, Aaria and Raya Polson, were especially loved by their “GG”.
Gwen was born in 1921 in the City of Toronto. Although academically gifted, she left school at age 16 to begin her working career at W.J. Gage Publishing where she met her future sisters-in-law. They asked her to be a pen pal for their brother Dan who had just volunteered for the army. She agreed but only if he were to write to her first. So, he did, starting the letter with “Dear Gwen: life at camp is swell.” and insisting twice in the letter to send pictures. The rest is history. Dan Robb and Gwen Meadows were married on the hottest day of the year, June 21st, 1947.
Later in her working career, she was the office manager at Cramco Solder Alloys. On their retirement, Dan and Gwen moved to Balm Beach, one of her favourite places, with a lifetime of memories with family and friends.
Gwen was actively involved in her community, initiating a Christmas hamper program at her church, volunteering at the Midland Hospital, and working at and contributing her crafts to church fundraising events.
She was creative in many ways. She made beautiful pressed flower cards; created intricate paper toile pictures (and won a “Best in Fair” at one exhibit) and cross-stitched lovely pieces of all kinds. She was also a great bowler.
Gwen was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Daniel Robb, her adored son-in-law, Michael Sturko, and her beautiful granddaughter, Melanie Malloy. She is survived by her three wonderful daughters, Danni Sturko (Brian Mason), Wendy Malloy, and Susan Polson and her husband Kirk who was so much more than a son-in-law, plus all of her beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She spread joy, kindness, love, and laughter wherever she went. As a result one of the most common words we heard used to describe Gwen was “Sweet”. A sweet friend, a sweet Aunt, a sweet Mom. We will forever miss her love of life, her sense of joy and her sweetness.
Gwen’s family would like to thank the staff at John Joseph Place in Owen Sound for their kindness, comfort, and care in the past few months.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the spring.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street N Markham ON L3P 1Y2 or Sunnybrook Ophthalmology and Vision Services would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
Details
A Graveside service and a Celebration of Gwen’s Life will take place in the Spring 2023.
Donations: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Markham (Cheques Only Please) or Sunnybrook Ophthalmology and Vision Services
2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robb Gwendoline Frances ‘Gwen’ 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Meaford, Province: Ontario