Barclay: Gwendoline Louise: April 14, 1949 – June 26, 2019
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, and wife. For Gwen, a devastating twist of fate came suddenly the night of June 26th when she was taken from us by a tragic motorcycle accident.
Gwen will be deeply missed. The world certainly lost an elegant woman who inspired many with her caring personality, ability to make anyone feel welcome, and her infectious smile.
Gwen was born in Souris on April 14, 1949. She lived her early years in Carroll and graduated from high school in Souris. From a young age Gwen loved to care for people, candy striping at the old Souris Hospital in her teens. After high school graduation, Gwen attended Nursing school at St. Boniface Hospital. Gwen and Glen began dating during those years. She graduated in the spring of 1970 and they were married that same summer.
Gwen started her career at the Souris Health District, hired as a general duty floor nurse. She then took on a new role as head nurse just prior to the new Souris Hospital opening its doors in 1973. Gwen took her OR training, and mentored at the Brandon General Hospital. She developed a passion for surgical nursing, and after having children began to work more strictly in the OR. She later became Supervisor of the OR program in Souris in 1995. Most recently, she worked closely with Dr. Davloor and Dr. Myers among others until well past retirement age to keep the surgical program alive.
Everyone knew of Gwen’s dedication to her profession. Rarely would she take a break, she would eat only a small snack at her desk, and would be 30 minutes early for every shift. Through her work she made countless friendships, so many of which have endured to this day.
Gwen took great pride in her family. As a young mom, she preferred to stay at home with her two boys. There never seemed to be a dull moment for the family of four. Gwen loved to host and entertain. As the boys became adults with families of their own, Gwen and Glen’s home became a meeting place for countless gatherings. Often the card games, music, and laughs would carry on into the wee hours of the night. She loved being a grandmother and thrived at it.
Gwen and Glen took many trips over the years, travelling to sunny hot destinations in the winter. For more than 25 years, the highlight of their summer was going down to the Black Hills on their bike to the Sturgis Rally. Here she enjoyed socializing with friends old and new at the “Canadian Embassy”, a well known gathering place.
Gwen was survived by her loving husband of 49 years Glen, sons Andy (Allison), Greg (Nicole), grandchildren Drew, Maria, Riley, and Charlee, her brother John (Vonna), numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Edna (Gow) Swaenepoel, and twin sisters Linda and Leona.
A celebration of Gwen’s life was held at the Souris-Glenwood Memorial Complex on July 12th, 2019. A private internment was held in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery with Reverend Harvey Hurren officiating.
Glen and family wish to thank everyone for their support, visits, calls, and food. Special thanks to Dr. Sopel, first responders, STARS, and all health care personnel for their excellent care.
Donations in memory of Gwen may be made to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation (Box 518 Souris R0K 2C0) or a charity of your choice. Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home, Souris, in care of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.kowalchuks.net.
So sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. My condolences to the family
Our hearts are with you all. Hugs from the Simonson’s xoxo
To the entire Barclay family our sincere condolences – you have and will continue to be in our thoughts – hoping you all have love and support surrounding you during this very difficult time.
Condolences to your family ❤️❤️
Andy, Allison, Glen, Greg and families, we were so sorry to hear for your loss. Our thoughts are with you as you journey through your grief. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Barbie and Tim Maguire
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Barclay family. Gwen will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Souris has lost a very special lady. Gwen will be remembered and missed by many. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family during this difficult time. Hugs from Al and Lauren
Glen, Andy, Allison Greg Nicole and kids, I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife, Mom and Grandma. Gwen was a beautiful woman inside and out with an infectious smile and laugh. My condolences to you all.
Dana Deleau Alexander
Sympathy to you Glen and family. Gwen will be missed by many people including those of us that worked at Souris Hospital and knew her as one of the greatest nurses there for many years!
Condolences to your family sorry for your loss.
Glen, Andy & Allison, Greg & Nicole and your families. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. May all of the wonderful memories bring comfort in your loss. Hugs.
So,so sorry for your tragic loss,gone but never to be forgotten.
Sincere Condolences to Glen and Family at this sad time.
Glen and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Gwen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna (Kelsnik) Couvier
To the Barclay family: we were very shocked and saddened to hear of Gwen’s tragic passing. I had the privilege of working with Gwen many years ago in the old Souris Hospital and had a great deal of respect for her as a nurse and as a lovely person. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Ken and Carolyn Rae
Gwen had the love and admiration of so many people with her gift for compassionate nursing. This will fall short of what she meant to her family and our caring sympathy is with you,Glen, and all your family. May peace surround you and memories keep you strong.
Sincere Condolences to Glen, Andy & Alison and Greg & Nichole and the Barclay families.
Sincere Condolences to John & Vonna Swaenepoel and families .
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Hold your memories close to your heart, and may you never be far apart.
R.I.P. Gwen
To the Barclay family, so sorry for your loss.
Peter and Becky Smith
Barclays family,
So very, very sorry for your loss. You have been our family neighbors for such a long time. Mom will miss Gwen terribly. Deepest sympathy to you all.
Our condolences to the Barclay family! You are in our thoughts❤️
Barclay Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gwen was a great lady and super fun. Enjoyed working with Gwen.
Our deepest condolences to your entire family at this sad time. Sending love and prayers.
To The Barclay Family
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Gwen’s sudden passing. She will be missed by all who knew her. She truly was one of the many great nurses at Souris Hospital. Keep all your good memories of her close to your heart.
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Barclay family. Thinking of you all at this very sad time
My condolences to the Barclay family. Such a tragic loss in our community. Gwen will be missed.
We will never forget Gwen & her great sense of humour, gentleness & kindness. Stay strong Glen for your boys & family.
Sincere Sympathy ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Glen, Andy and family, We felt our hearts crush into tiny little bits when we heard about the sudden and untimely passing away of Gwen. She was a wonderful woman, beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. She will truly be missed by all.
So sorry we can’t be there at this difficult time. We have so many memories as neighbors, our bike trips, and for Jack as a co-worker. Our thoughts will be with you this Friday, and we will be in touch when we get back at the end of the month.
We are so saddened for your tragic loss of Gwen. Our memories of Gwen’s voice, laugh and smile remain vivid. Glen and family – you are in our thoughts and have our deepest sympathy.
So sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
To the Barclay family
Sorry to hear of Gwen passing you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Shocked and so saddened to hear of Gwen’s tragic passing. Our sincere condolences to the Barclay family.
Glen Andy and Greg and families. So sorry to hear of Gwen’s sudden passing. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Doug and Helen Fenwick
Our condolences to the Barclay clan. Gwen’s infectiuos smile and great sense of humour will never be forgotten.
So sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. She was a very special friend of my Moms for years while they were nursing together and for many years after Mom retired. Thinking of your family at this sad time.
Very sorry to hear about your loss
Although I know no words can ease the loss you feel, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Gwen will always be in our hearts and memories. I am so sorry for your loss.
We were shocked to learn of Gwen’s tragic passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Glen and your Family
Our sincere condolences to the Barclays family. Our thoughts are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone at this very sad time. Keep your fondest memories close to your hearts . Our memories are ours to keep.
Glen and family;
it’s very sad to hear of your tragic loss. Glen, we hope you have a good recovery from your injuries and we were happy to hear that you are walking about. Knowing that you and your family have suffered a much greater loss invokes our deep sympathy, and all of you are in our hearts today.
My condolences to the the Barclay family,working with Gwen at VPL were the most enjoyable days of my time there. Gwen was a very special lady and will be missed greatly.
Glen, Andy, Allison, Greg, Nicole and families. We were shocked and very saddened by Gwen’s passing away. Our heartfelt thoughts are there with all of you. Gwen was an all around great person. We will always remember her.
Our love & hugs to all of you.
Our heartfelt condolences are with your family at this time.
Our condolences to the Barclay families.
David and Carol McBurney
Barc,
So sorry to hear this sad news, old friend.
It was our privilege to attend the service for Gwen. That was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. We will cherish our memories of all the happy times that we shared with her. Our sincere condolences. Ruth and Garry
Dianne and I are sad to learn of Gwen’s passing. Our thoughts are with you today and in the days ahead.
Condolences to the Swaenepoel and Barclay families from her St. Boniface General Hospital nursing class. We were all so sorry to learn of her passing.
Our deepest condolences are with your family at this time.
Doug & Helen Groves
My deepest condolences to the entire Barclay family. Gwen was a real sweetheart and I will always remember her that way!
Glen, Andy and Greg and families. We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Gwen’s untimely passing. Gwen will be remembered as someone who always had a ready smile and was a great nurse who undoubtedly brought a lot of comfort to a lot of people over the years. Our condolences to you all.
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Loved connecting with Gwen at the last Souris reunion. Too soon, too young.
Sorry for your loss . Our sincere condolences.
To Glen and sons and their families. Our deepest thoughts on the loss of your dear Gwen. May precious memories fill your hearts and help you find peace. Our thoughts are with you.
Murray and Shirley brown
Glen and family…our sincerest sympathies to all of you in the tragic loss of Gwen. We only met her once, but as distant cousins (to you, Glen) in Nebraska—she showed her vibrant personality and skill as a nurse, wife and mother. I remember the conversation she had with Lynn and discussing their nursing careers. That meeting will remain as a cherished memory for both of us.
I’ve read the other posts to get to know Gwen a bit better, and she had a great impact on people. We know it has been a tough three months for your family, and may the love and support of others help sustain you during this most difficult time.
You are also in our prayers for your physical and emotional recovery.
Glen and family. Shocking to hear of your tragic accident and Gwen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dad and I are sending our deepest condolences to you Glen and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately I did not get the chance to meet Gwen – both mum and dad spoke so highly of her. Gwen’s memorial attendance speaks volumes of her character and the respect and love she earned by simply being herself. Healing wishes being sent for your continued recovery Glen.
Glenn and family very sad to hear of Gwens passing our thoughts and prayers with your family