Gwen Thurston (nee Mary Gwendolyn Knight) passed away gently at Meaford Long Term Care Centre on Friday, April 30, 2021, aged 99. She happily anticipated rejoining her late husband, Willard ‘Bill’.
Predeceased by her siblings Genevieve (McAfee), Carleton, Keith, and Rosemary (Lovett), Gwen leaves her remaining sibling Ron, and his wife Jane, of Windsor.
Born and raised in Meaford, Gwen contributed to the family business, Knights’ of Meaford. Historically, Knights’ factory manufactured doors, windows, and hardwood flooring. While Gwen attended her secondary commercial courses, she noted a young man in her shorthand class… Willard.
Gwen and Willard were inseparable through their long and successful marriage. Willard’s work in Forestry took them to Kapuskasing, Toronto, Stratford, Galt, Lindsay, Kemptville, and Toronto again. Through it all, Gwen was his staunch support and partner in adventures across the province.
Gwen made a happy home wherever they lived, spending endless hours sewing, quilting, cooking. She was an equal partner in all home renovations. She was meticulous in keeping in touch with relatives and friends right to the end. The simple beauties of nature delighted her. Gwen worked outside the home for a while to help fund their trip to Europe in 1970. Whatever the endeavour, it always included any family that could participate.
Gwen and Willard retired to Meaford in 1978, where they both were deeply involved with Meaford United Church, Gwen being a devoted volunteer and Life Member of the UCW as well as a regular at the weekly quilting group. As members of the Bruce Trail Association the two became regular hikers and completed their end-to-end on a sunny winter day. The Rideau Canal, Trent-Severn Waterway, and Georgian Bay lured them into boating experiences under power and sail.
Children left with many happy memories are Marylyn and husband Wayne Kipp of Meaford, Gordon and wife Charlene of Pickering, Ann and husband Gary McKay of Pembroke, and Kate (late husband Bob Heron) of Comox, B.C. Gwen will be missed by grandchildren Cynthia Kipp (Robert Sawyer), Cathy Kipp (Martin Tamlyn), Kevin Thurston, William Thurston (Myranda Munshaw), Bethany McKay (Chris McCulloch), and Jonathon (Jennifer) McKay. Gwen delighted in her six great-grandchildren: Lexie Sawyer; Silas, Orrin, and Kezia Tamlyn; Corbin and Ainsley McCulloch.
Gwen’s family is grateful for her caring home at Meaford Long Term Care over the past two years, and most especially during the final day of her life. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Collins for her wisdom and kind support of our Mom on her journey. We could not have hoped for a better closing to her well-lived earthly sojourn.
Private interment of cremated remains will take place at a future date. For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gwen Thurston, please consider Meaford United Church Raise the Roof Campaign (cheques only please), or a charity of your choice. Donations can be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
