GWENDOLIN MARY PINCHIN (HAMMOND)

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GWENDOLIN MARY PINCHIN (nee HAMMOND) Peacefully, with her husband, son, daughter and grandson around her, Gwen Pinchin, age 91 years, passed away on June 3, 2010, at the Lions Personal Care Centre. Predeceased by her parents and her sister Dorothy, Gwen is survived by her loving husband Vic of 66 years, son Rick, daughter-in-law Pat and grandson Jeffrey, daughter Heather and son-in-law John Stubbs, and brother Jack of Mexico City. Gwen was born on December 27, 1918 in High River, Alberta, and the family moved to Camrose, Alberta a few years later. After attending Normal School , Gwen taught in a one-room schoolhouse before moving to Vancouver and attending UBC. She met Vic in the chorus of a Gilbert Sullivan University Production; earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1943, and she and Vic were married in 1944. Gwen worked for the Vancouver Children's Aid Society, but took time off for the birth of Richard (Rick) in 1946 and Heather in 1948. She didn't return to the CAS until both children were in school, and then would only agree to a schedule that allowed her to be home by the end of the school day. After Vic was transferred to Winnipeg in 1960, Gwen worked for the Winnipeg Child Guidance Clinic. Later, she became the Medical Social Worker for Victoria General Hospital when it was still located on River Avenue. Gwen became the first Head of Social Services Department in the new Victoria General Hospital on Pembina Highway, working there for many years until her retirement in 1978. Her conscientiousness and care earned her the love and respect of co-workers and clients alike. In 1960, when Vic joined the Lions Club of Winnipeg, Gwen became an active member of the Winnipeg Lionelles. Together, Vic and Gwen have been active supporters for 50 years of Rainbow Stage, Red River Ex, The Winnipeg Symphony, Manitoba Opera, MTC, and Vincent Massey Collegiate Musical Theatre. She was a pivotal member of the close-knit group of longtime friends and neighbors on Farwell Bay in Fort Garry. Gwen treated everyone around her in a respectful, ladylike fashion. Family, however, was always her top priority and she offered selfless guidance and support to her husband and her children. Gwen Pinchin was a class act! The family thanks the wonderful and caring staff of the Lions Personal Care Centre. A Celebration of Gwen's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 11, 2010 at Lions Place, 610 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Manitou, care of Lions Club of Winnipeg, 610 Portage Avenue, R3C 0G5. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2010