It is with great sadness we announce the death of Gwenyth Howard, cherished Wife, Mother and Gran who passed away peacefully in her 87th year on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston.
Devoted wife of 64 years to John Howard, loving mother of Lori Howard (Owen Weir), Lynn Howard- McAllister (Emlyn), Chris Howard (Alison), Peter Forrest and Suzanne Turcotte.
Beloved sister of Albert Chalmers (deceased) (Pat), and Doug Chalmers (Jan).
Loving Gran to Emma (Nathan), Kate (Justin), Chalmers (Nicola), Ginny, Samantha, Amy, and John. Great Grandmother (GG) to August.
Gwen was born in 1935 to James and Mabel Chalmers in Cochrane, Ontario. Gwenyth’s devotion in life was simple, family and friends her passion was cooking (particularly baking) something that she shared with everyone that knew her. She could make a mean apple pie in her day! She loved to read, watch movies and get lost in deep conversation. Gwen’s early training and education was as a registered nurse. She worked in the labour & delivery department at the Toronto Grace Hospital. After many years of volunteering as a Cub Scout leader and a stay at home Mom, Gwen went back to school at age 40, she studied Early Childhood Education and went on to become the Director of a magical school in Etobicoke for Children with Special Needs. The children, families and the staff gave her a sense of purpose and made her blossom. Gwen will be missed dearly by her many friends, nieces and nephews, the Westway Bridge Club, and the many people who called her a second mother. She spent her retirement travelling the world with her best friends of 70 years Gordon and Sally, snowbirding in Florida where she and Sally would always find time for a “good shop” as they referred to it and eventually moving to her beloved Kincardine.
If desired, in lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to Matthews House Hospice in Alliston or Silver Creek Pre-School in Etobicoke in Gwenyth’s name.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Rest easily Mum, we know you are always on our shoulder xo
Marcello Morra
To: Lori, Emma and Family-
Thoughts and Prayers to the Howard family during this time of loss. May you take comfort in embracing the fond memories of Gwenyth over the many years together with your family.
John J Torrance
Lynn, Lori and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this time.
Myrna Hoar
Chris and Alison
Our sincere condolences to you and the Howard family.
John & Myrna
marilyn hunt
Lynn and Family
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. May the many memories of times
together give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow
Marilyn & Oscar
Ron & Tracy Frank
May your memories of Mom and Gran stay with you for ever. Thinking of you at this time Lynn and Emlyn and all of the Howard family.
With love from Ron and Tracy Frank, Bolton.
Patti and Len Foley
Lori and Lynn, our sincere condolences to you and all of your families. May your wonderful memories of your mom sustain you.
Donna Wilson
So sorry for your loss. The Wilsons are thinking of you Lynn. Take care
Debbie
Lynn & family
“A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory.”
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mum.
w luv “Hebbie Dunt”
Diane Killam
Lynn and Family, so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I didn’t know her but she must have been really special. She had you for a daughter, Lynn. My sincere condolences.
Lorelie Weir
Lynn, so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. I recall our class visit to her Special Needs School and the compassion she had for the children. Sending love, strength and peace to you and your Family.
Angela Farquharson
Lynn, Lori, Kate, Emma and your whole extended families,
I’m so sorry to learn of Gran’s passing. I only knew her in childhood, but have many laughter-filled memories of her. Giggles with Gran in the kitchen, swimming in her pool and other such hijinx. She was lovely and wonderful and gave great hugs. I hope that recalling your lifetime of memories with her softens some of the pain and helps to keep her with you.
Loving condolences from Vancouver Island.
Fawn Shoebridge
To Kate, Emma, Lori and family
My deepest condolences to you all and your family during this sad time. Gran was a beautiful soul and I am so thankful I had the pleasure of enjoying the last years with her
She will be deeply missed.
May she always be there in spirit and light as you navigate through life!
Love. Fawn, Mathew and Willow
Jim and Heidi Sant
Our most sincere condolences to Lynne, Lori, Chris and all your families.
May all your beautiful memories of your mother help you through this difficult time. ❤️
Sue-Anne
So happy to have shared space with this awesome woman on more than one occasion. Gwen will be missed but many. Grateful grief that her suffering was short.
Wolff Knipping
To Lori, Kate, Emma and family
My deepest condolences to you all during this sad time. I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May all the wonderful memories you have with your mum help you through this tough time. Thinking of you all❤️
Love Wolff
Wayne & Terry
Our sincere condolences Lyn n & Lori and the Howard family.
Terry & Wayne Stoddart
Judy Strmec
Lori, Lynn, Emma and Kate, and all the family,
Deepest Condolences, your mom and (Gran) touched the lives and hearts of so many including our family and for that we will be truly thankful. She was a very special lady.
Her love will always surround you all.
Judy, Tony and all the Strmec’s
Lisa Harrison
Wow, I can’t believe she is gone! I was so Blessed to have had her in my life for my whole life. She helped me so much with the loss of my Dad, her brother. I love spending time with her and uncle John in Florida every year and spent so much time with them as a girl growing up. I’m so glad I got to spend her last day with her and although I will miss her dearly I am so glad she is at peace now and with her Abby! Rest in peace Aunty Gwen
My condolences to uncle John and cousins Lori Lynn and Chris!
Debbie Gillies
Dear Howards,
Gwen was a great role model for all of us who grew up in her presence. Her friendship to my parents and family was a gift. Gwen will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Sending love to you all.
Lorraine Witty
Sincere condolences to each of the Howard family as your hearts heal and find peace .
Harvey and Lorraine Witty
Darcy Hilliard Franke & Family
Our deepest sympathy to all the Howard family in the loss of your wife, mother & grandmother.
Jim & Jarmila
Deepest sympathy to all the Howards and their families on the passing of Gwen. It saddened us to hear the news and we only hope that the many happy memories shared together will bring peace and comfort at this difficult time. Thinking of you all and sharing your pain, Jim & Jarmila McAllister
The McAllisters
Thinking of you all and sharing your grief. Deepest condolences.
Robert McKellar
John, the girls, and extended family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. In the years that I have known Gwen Chalmers Howard she has always been true to her roots, remained in touch with the present, and was intuitive regarding the future. She was a multi-faceted woman who introduced me in the 1960’s to the affirmative action movement, even before it became a societal revolution that she predicted.
She was an innovator and administrator who guided her Lighthouse School with determination, street smarts (creatively acquiring funding), and love. She was a steward to her family and by extension to the Bridge Club with her journalistic talents which kept the communication channels open.
Space restricts me herein, but I must express my appreciation for Gwen’s willingness to help others – like myself – when a seemingly critical situation arose.
What I always will remember is the manner in which Gwen treated others. She believed that every person deserved to be treated with decency and dignity, and she practiced this principle with a warm humility. A life well lived; a life lived well.
Thank you, Gwen.
Bob
Donna Hall
Our sincere condolences Donna and Larry Hall and Lena Reid
Kathy & Derek Clarkson
Lynn and family
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mum
God Bless
Isabelle Bottoms
Sincere condolences to Lynn and family. Your beloved Mom will be missed by so many.
J.J.Jbaldwin
so sad lovely ladey former R.N. says a lot not all husband john folowed behiend never a bad word spoken
taught son with problems too overcom now now capentrycontractor and home owner we had great times in 70s 80s before moving i coud go on and good bye fair lady
john email jeff
Tricia Moore
I have and will always keep on my phone a list that says, “Gwen Howard’s book recommendations.”
It goes without saying she was a friend to young and old and all that lay in between.
Gwen covered the entire Moore family with love and affection…..and the best things in life: book recommendations, well cooked food, hilarious and witty conversation, laughter, Chipit-cake, a love of Canada, cottage memories from Kincardine to Mactier, open arms when we “just happen to be popping by in Florida” and deep friendship. She will be missed, but know somehow my Dad is filling the pipes somewhere out there, to remind us all of her “Amazing Grace.”
Cyndy Blair
Lynn and family sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. What a wonderful full life. A lovely woman whose light still shines through her children and grandchildren Thinking of you all.
Cyndy the bus driver
Michelle Boynton
Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing Lynn, we are thinking of you and your family at this sad time
Michelle and Scott
Deb Marshall
Lynn and Family
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Thinking of you and wishing you lots of lovely memories.
Deb Marshall
Darrel and Gayle Milburn
To John and family,
Our condolences on the passing of dear Gwen. One of the nicest people we have ever met. She lived a wonderful life and will be forever remembered by all who knew her..
Gayle and Darrel
Susan Kawa
Dear Lori, Lynn, John and family: I appreciated Gwen’s gentle exterior that belied a strong interior that could accomplish anything she set her mind upon. She was kind, clever, very social and authentically cared. It was always clear that her family came first, but she also treated Silver Creek like her family. What an impact she made on the ‘magical place’—or rather she imbedded the magic that continues today. I thank her for the role model she was to me—that I didn’t recognize til I spent some years trying to fill her shoes at the Creek.
Rest in peace, dear Gwen.
Irena Setnik
Hi Lori and Lynn,
Please accept deepest condolences from all of us at Silver Creek Pre-School.
We are grateful beyond words for the exceptional work your mom did during her time as Executive Director to support children with special needs and their families.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Silver Creek Pre-School
David & Sheila lewis
Lynne and family
Our sincere sympathy of the passing of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish your memories David & Sheila Lewis and family.