GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT HODGSON

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GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT HODGSON It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Elliott Hodgson on January 1, 2014, at Oakview Place, Winnipeg at the age of ninety. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Winifred Davidson, her first husband, Sidney Holmes, her son Elliott Holmes, and her second husband, Eric Hodgson. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her daughter, Shan Holmes, and grandchildren Bryan Baisarowicz (Jennifer) in Winnipeg and Janet Woods (Colin) in England; and by Eric's children in Ontario, Cynthia Dumont (Jackie, Dan and Steve) and Barry Hodgson and his wife, Barbara (David and Catherine). Gwen was born in Winnipeg on August 10, 1923 and, apart from a six-year sojourn in Edmonton, lived here all her life. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 1940, and after completing an accountancy course at Angus of Commerce, entered the business world. Over the years she worked for Canadian Pacific Airlines, Stanley Brock Ltd. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Regional Office, where she held the post of Administrative Officer until her retirement in 1984. Gwen married Sidney Holmes in 1948 and they were blessed with two beautiful children a daughter, Shan and a son, Elliott. Sadly, Elliott died in a drowning accident in 1966. After a long battle with emphysema, Sid passed away in 1985. Five years later, Gwen married their very old friend, Eric Hodgson, and they enjoyed sixteen happy years together before Eric's death in 2006. Gwen was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and sang in their choir for over thirty years. She was an active member of the Women's Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and Anavets Unit 283. Her close association with the St. David's Society kept her in touch with her strong Welsh heritage. As well, she loved the twice-a-year luncheon meetings with the Gordon Bell girls, class of 1940. She was a gifted seamstress and knitter and spent many hours producing garments and blankets for the whole family, as well as creatively designed aprons which were sold in a number of venues. Although these interests occupied much of her time, her prime concern was always the welfare of her family and she followed the careers of all the grandchildren with great pride and pleasure. Her skill in producing delicious family dinners will not be forgotten and her amazing recall of people and places from her past created a conversational and historical tapestry which enriched minds as well. She greatly enjoyed family gatherings. Health issues dictated that Gwen's last year and a half was spent in residence at Oakview Place where she made several good friends and became very fond of the kind and resourceful staff members who added so much to the quality of her life there. The family wishes to recognize the comfort, support, and empathy which Gwen received from these caregivers. In accordance with Gwen's wishes, cremation has taken place and a service of remembrance will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 61 Picardy Place (adjacent to Vimy Ridge Park) on Wednesday, January 08 at 11:00 A.M. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations to First Presbyterian Foundation Fund, or the Winnipeg Symphony Fund would be greatly appreciated. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014