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 and loved her 5 grandchildren and their spouses, James Malloy, Melanie Malloy, Cara and Richard Brown, Terri and Dave Higgins and Derek and Siovahn 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
Make a donation in memory of Gwendoline Frances 'Gwen' Robb
Donations: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Markham (Cheques Only Please) or Sunnybrook Ophthalmology and Vision ServicesDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, November 28, 2022
Our deepest condolences, Kirk and Sue and the family, for the loss of an amazing matriarch. You were fortunate to have your Mom in your lives for so many years but still must be wishing you could have more time with her. Sending you love and hugs. Nancy and Joe
Monday, November 28, 2022
A life well lived. She touched many with her positive spirit and always left you the better for having been with her. May she rest in peace.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
In August of 2000 I moved into the apartment opposite Gwen’s In Swan lake Village in Markham. It was the warmest welcome that I had ever received from a neighbour. She invited me into the scrabble group and taught me euchre–so that I could become integrated into the new community. As well, she has always kept in touch over the years since she moved away. A sweet, friendly, positive, kind, loving person indeed! She lived her Christian faith. God will no doubt have a special welcome for his good and faithful servant.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Wendy, Sue, Danni (and families)
My most sincere condolences to all of you
My Aunt Gwen was such a strong , loving and caring woman
I always called her “my sweet Aunt “
Rest in peace Aunt Gwen , I will miss you
Love your niece,
Lynn Knowlton-Borrow
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of such a well-loved and respected family member. We always enjoyed it when Gwen joined in family gatherings. She will be missed.
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Not only was Gwen my Mom but she was my friend, my confidant, my support. A wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother Gwen encompassed the words, sweet, kind, thoughtful, loving. Gwen left lasting impressions on all those she met. Our tumultuous world was better because of my Mom.
Quoting Enya, “ you raised me high, so I can find my way”. Thank you Mom
Rest in contentment in the embrace of Dad.
I will miss you.
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Dear Wendy, Sue and Danny,
Pete and I offer our sincere condolences. I remember your Mom as being warm, kind, witty and welcoming whenever I came to your house. Even though I haven’t seen her seen her in over 50 years, her memory will have a lasting affect upon me. So sorry for your loss.
Love Pam Milroy
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Our condolences to your family for this sad loss so close to Christmas This was a lovely memorial of her life. I was also struck by how much her pictures reminded me of our family. You can easily see the sweetness in her smile. Adele and Fred Schillup
Monday, December 12, 2022
Our Aunt Gwen was the last of our Aunts and Uncle’s
She was a sweet person to talk to and visit, she really missed her husband Dan
I can only hope those two get together in the after life
I know my cousin Sue did her best to look after Gwen in the last few years
I know she will be missed, she was loved by so many
Rest in Peace Aunt Gwen