It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Gwendolyn Dorothea Whissell (nee Beaton), on March 19, 2018, in her 87th year. Gwen was born Nov. 23th, 1931; 5th child of Sudbury’s past Mayor, Bill Beaton and wife Isla Robertson (both predeceased). She was sister to Doreen McKinty, Roberta (Bobby) Belfry, Lyall Beaton and Evelyn Beaton (all predeceased). She was wife, for 40 years, of Gerald J Whissell (predeceased 1990), mother to Robert, predeceased 2005 (Cynthia), Gary (Kathy), Beverley, Rick (Sue), and Miles. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Lily Beaton, Claudette Whissell (Ron predeceased 2012), as well as Jeanette and Vic Whissell, Albert (predeceased 2017) (Beulah predeceased) Sonya Whissell. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews whose accomplishments she admired greatly. Gwen was very proud of all her grandchildren - Mavros, Rebecca (Shane), John, Paul (Irene), Matthew (Kristina), Chris (Michelle), Gavin (Mercedes), Justin, Jessica (Tim), Genevieve (Darren), Sarah (Steve), Zachary (Liana), Bradley, Chantal and Eric. She derived great pleasure in the antics of her great grandchildren - Melissa, Mya, Owen, Veronica, Alice, Brian, Eliana, Liza, Gwendolen, Mariah, Nina, Logan, Mackenzie and Graydon.
Gwen had an active employment history as Admin Assistant in a number of businesses. In 2016, Gwen was inducted into Sudbury’s Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions to Sudbury’s Synchronized Swimming for over 40 years. This was a passion she shared deeply with her lifelong friend, Doreen Haferkamp (predeceased 2016). Gwen recounted, with great details, her life and upbringing in Sudbury and the years she spent growing up on John St, Ramsey Lake, and summers at Clearwater. She remembered with fondness her dad’s morning polar bear dips, the swims across the lake to attend lessons, lifeguarding on the shores of Bell Park, the hours of canoeing with her parents and siblings, best blueberry patch picking, and trips to North Bay and the US to visit endless relatives with whom she enjoyed spending time. Gwen loved to sing and dance, especially with her sisters. She was an avid duplicate bridge player, partnering with her brother Lyall, and she took great joy in bragging about her weekly “hand and foot” winnings.
Gwen handled life’s ups and downs with grace and tenacity; she embraced every change as a new adventure and jumped in with both feet. She was not afraid of hard work. She was family centered and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Dr. Pella for her years of great care of Gwen; to Pastor David Smilek for the generous time spent with Gwen and family, and to the South Tower 5th floor medical and nursing staff for their genuine care.
A celebration of Gwen’s life will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1199 Lansing Avenue, on Sunday April 15th, at 2pm. Donations to the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Alzheimer Society, or Heart and Stroke would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Sudbury Park Lawn Cremation Services.
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4