Gwendoline Doris Robbins
September 23, 1922 – September 15, 2024
“People are like stained glass windows – the true beauty can be seen only when there is light from within. The darker the night, the brighter the windows.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
At almost 102 years old, Gwen died peacefully, listening to a Vivaldi Oboe Concerto, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side, at Lee Manor Long Term Care home in Owen Sound. Despite her increasing frailty and discomfort (she was, to use an English expression, “not feeling at all well”), Gwen remained interested in life and her family and didn’t want to die, having a strong FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Born in Coventry, England, Gwen was the youngest of the 6 surviving children of James and Jessie (née Greene) Owen. In 1946, Gwen married Charles (2nd born in his family, predeceased 2001) and they had two children: Nigel, born in England (predeceased 2017, wife Maggie Keller, Sudbury) and Pamela, born in Canada (husband Chris Lazarenko, Kincardine). Gwen was predeceased also by her siblings and their spouses, Alfred (Grace), Amy (Ernie Smith), Sidney (Frances), Jessie (Charlie Agg), Rene (John White), all in England. The Robbins family was large, so Gwen had many other sisters- and brothers-in law, all predeceased, in England, except as shown: Na’ama (Murthyn Curtis); Edith (James Parsons), Texas; Maureen (Gordon Lawrence); Ken (Jan), Richmond Hill; Audrey (Dennis Calloway); Peter (Helen); David (Maureen); Judy (Roy Durant); Jill (Tony Elms); Michael (June); Jennifer (Tony Middleton) South Carolina.
Gwen dearly loved all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sylvia Robbins, Ottawa (husband David Phung, sons Alexander and Ethan); Emily Ballent (née Robbins), Dunnville (husband Danny Ballent, son River and daughter Willow); Jenna Lazarenko, Tofino, BC (partner James Johnson, sons Callum and Bowen); and James Lazarenko, Hamilton (partner Nicole Brissett, son Sage). There are many nieces and nephews in England, Canada, and USA who will remember their Auntie Gwen with great love. Chris’s sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Doug Santala (Lively) and their children Kai Santala (wife Lacey, Fynnley and Sylas) and Kierann Santala (partner Jon Waddell, Freddie and Evelyn) included Gwen as part of their family, and their love and care for Gwen over the years is so appreciated; Kincardine is quite a distance from Sudbury! Maggie, you have been a wonderful daughter-in-law, and always willing to help. Your “Pictures of the Week” envelope in the mail was a lovely gift to Gwen!
Gwen, Charles, and Nigel immigrated to Canada in 1954 and settled first in Hamilton, then moved to Sudbury in 1960, where they discovered a very welcoming community. Friends are family you choose for yourself, and Gwen had many dear friends over the years, some of whom in these last few years went above and beyond to help with groceries, rides, and companionship. After leaving her home (reluctantly!), Gwen lived four and a half years at Chartwell Meadowbrook in Lively, and so many people, both staff and residents, brought great comfort and joy. Gwen was also very well cared for during her last nine months, living at Lee Manor, during her steady decline in health. Special thanks to all of these people: health professionals, staff, other residents, friends. You will never be forgotten for your caring not only for Gwen, but for her daughter!
A noticeable thing about Gwen was her stature. She was very short! The expression “tiny but tough” fits, as Gwen was fiercely independent, had great resilience and determination, and wasn’t one to give up on anything. She was a comptometer operator in England during the war, and did some contract work in Canada, but took much pride and satisfaction in being a full-time mother, who cared so lovingly for her family, including beloved dogs, the most recent of which she got as a puppy, just after turning 80. Her vegetable gardens were prolific in produce, her flower beds were beautiful, her bread making was legendary, she did lots of sewing and knitting, and Mum loved to quilt. Gwen volunteered at Kiwanis Music Festival and at the hospital for years. Perhaps the strongest thread in the tapestry is Gwen’s love of singing. Gwen loved theatre, especially musical theatre, and performed with Sudbury Theatre Guild in several productions. She was continuously a member of Sudbury Philharmonic Choir, which eventually became Bel Canto Chorus, for over 50 years. She also sang in the church choir at St. Andrew’s Church in downtown Sudbury, and was active in the church in various roles.
Words often associated with Gwen include “kind”, “helpful”, “gentle”, “friendly”, “thoughtful”, and above all, “loving”. Gwen definitely shone with warm light from inside, and that light will continue to inspire those who loved her so very much. And, “she shall have music wherever she goes.”
A Remembrance and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Andrew’s United Church, 111 Larch Street, Sudbury.
Memorial donations to Maison McCulloch Hospice (in Sudbury), Sudbury Music Festival, St. Andrew’s United Church, or to a charity of your choice, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services.