AUDREY GWENDOLYN SMITH

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AUDREY GWENDOLYN SMITH (nee HORN) Gwen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 17, 2015. Survived by devoted husband David; children, Janet (Peter Vandermaar), Neil (Karen), Carolyn; beloved granddaughters, Avery and Taylor; and sister Nancy (Ed Gray). Gwen was born in Winnipeg on November 16, 1938 at the Grace Hospital on Arlington Street, to parents, Jack and Eva Horn, who took every possible lesson from the hardships of their own families and channelled them into building a good life where family came first. The building of a family cottage at Otter Falls was one of their incredible legacies, and it continues to be an important family gathering place, now a happy second home for Avery and Taylor. The Norwood neighbourhood served as home, as well as the source of many lifelong friendships. After high school, Gwen went to Angus Business College, and then worked in several businesses, as well as at the University of Manitoba, where she met her future husband, Dave. They were married for 56 years, always supportive of each other, focused on family, and on the same side. The foundation of the family, Gwen created a warm and welcoming home for all of us. Gwen was known for her polite, warm, kind, and friendly manner. Yet, she was deceptively strong emotionally, physically, and intellectually. She was always quick to offer help, and find ways to serve others. After family, it was her Alpha Iota Sorority Sisters and her Bridge Club friends that were most important to her, and who provided her with companionship, laughs, support, and endless hours of happy memories. Gwen always maintained a wide social network, gathering longtime friends at school, in the neighbourhoods where she lived, at the church, all of her workplaces, and winter travel destinations. In her early 30's, and with three small children, Gwen faced rheumatoid arthritis head on, with bravery and courage, and without a complaint. When cancer came, she faced it like every other challenge: she made up her mind and fought it with grace, quiet strength, determination, and focus, and again, without a complaint. In the end, perhaps her greatest joy was two relatively recent arrivals - Avery and Taylor - who triggered not only an immediate shift in priorities, but a renewal of energy and joy for life as she watched it through their eyes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Arthritis Society of Manitoba, or a charity close to your heart. As per Gwen's wishes, there will be a private family service to honour her life. Gwen will be dearly missed. May our memories of her be a blessing on us all. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2015