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GWEN FORBES
(nee CAMPBELL)
1922 - 2019
Minnedosa, MB - Winnipeg, MB
Gwen Campbell
A right handed batter and outfielder with the Bethany Blue Bombers, 1937 to 1939, great speed and a good arm, contact hitter. Taught to play the piano by her mother and the Royal Conservatory of Music. Awarded her interim first class teachers certificate after finishing Normal School in August 1942, teaching grades 1 to 9 in the communities of Dauphin Plains, Havelock and Cameron, MB. Mom met and fell in love with Jack Forbes at Normal School, they wed in 1945, and Mom moved to Winnipeg and worked as a substitute teacher in the Winnipeg school division while Jack attended the University of Manitoba.
Gwen Forbes
In 1957 they moved to Winnipeg, taking up residence in the Riverview neighbourhood, and in 1960 she had her favourite son Bruce, (Marcie). The one room school houses she worked in no doubt helped prepare Mom for a house full of children. She was a brilliant Mom. Loving, supportive, encouraging, it was a home that smelled often of fresh bread, cookies or pie. Mom played bridge with the neighbours and the stock market with the money she saved from the household budget. She proved to be an astute investor and provided a big help to the family coffers. The house was filled with music, a piano and a Hammond organ were played by both Mom and Dad. Dinners were quite formal in Gwen's house, proper etiquette required, and enforced. Dinners were also hilarious, Mom was mischievous, and had a profound gift for the quick aside, her giggle was an absolute gift. Dishes were often a three man job in our house, one to wash, one to dry, and the third to dance with Mom. Dad playing the waltz or foxtrot Mom requested.
In 1979 Mom and Dad moved to India for a year, Mom was happy to get home, back to her grandkids and family. Mom and Dad entertained people with music all over the province for a few years in their retirement until Dad fell ill in 1995. Eventually Dad passed in 1999, and Mom stayed in the apartment until she decided someone else could do the cooking. She lived in Riverwood Court for the rest of her brilliant life.
Gwen gave joy and love to her 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Thank you to the kind and caring staff at Riverwood. A celebration of her life will be at Chapel Lawn, September 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2019, Sep 04, 2019, Sep 06, 2019
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I was saddened to hear of your mom's passing from my niece Sheri Turner who lives in Winnipeg. What a wonderful life she lived and so full of family and friends. We enjoyed her visits so much in Calgary and when they stopped I was disappointed. She always had something interesting to talk about, and of course was so proud of her sons and grandkiddies. I think of the exciting clan gatherings we had at your grandma and grandpa's farm in Bethany with fond memories. I'd love to keep up the connection with all of you......when in Calgary please call and have a visit. Our deepest sympathy, Charlene & John Kroeger Love, Charlene & John Kroeger - Posted by: Charlene Turner Kroeger ( My mom Charlotte McAree Turner was first cousin to your mom) on: Sep 11, 2019
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I am so sorry I could not be with you today at your mom's service. Just know that I was thinking of all of you. I remember back in 1963 when I met first met your mom and dad and you boys. I was just beginning nurses training at Children's Hospital. The initiation into the Forbes family was easy. The minute I showed up on their doorstep I was included into the family. Maybe I was a novelty entering the lives of five boys. I grew up with three brothers so being included in another family of guys didn't intimidate me. Jack and Gwen were like second parents to me. I always felt welcome all the time I spent with your family and believe me I was there plenty. Gwen and I always had great visits while doing the daily household chores. After dinner I would become very popular among the older brothers as I would always dry the dishes. I never considered this to be a chore as I always had some amusing conversations with whomever was the dishwasher for the day. I have many fond memories of the time I spent with all of the Forbes. Your mother was the center of it all. She was a kind, lovely lady you can all be very proud to call Mom. I am so glad she was a part of my life. Lalah - Posted by: Lalah (Russell) Anton (cousin) on: Sep 07, 2019
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Bruce, Marcia and family. So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. - Posted by: Rick and Lynda Mutton (friends) on: Sep 06, 2019
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Bill and to all the Forbes family So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a great lady, We were so lucky to have grown up in Riverview, in an era where there was such a close interaction between us, that no matter whose house you were in you were treated as just another member of the family by all the mothers. Back then our mothers never needed facebook or the internet to find out if us kids were doing something we weren't supposed to, They just needed a phone. We were so lucky that your mom and all of our mothers took such an interest in all of us kids and played an integral part in our growing up safe and happy. Though your mom will be missed I know that you will take a great deal of consolation in the fact that she probably had a great deal of satisfaction interacting with her grandchildren and greats and I am sure passed on the same values as she passed onto you. Take care, all of you Brian Harding and Bev - Posted by: Brian Harding (Friend) on: Sep 05, 2019
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I met Gwen in December 1995 when her husband Jack was placed in the Personal Care Home where I worked. I maintained my friendship with Gwen even after Jack passed away. Gwen was a loving caring person and I never heard her say an unkind word. When visiting Gwen, first in her apartment on Osborne and then at Riverwood Square, she was always surrounded by pictures of family. Every visit I had with Gwen, she would catch me up on the news of her children and then brag on the accomplishments of her grand-children Gwen was an amazing role model to her family, setting an example of strength, kindness and caring--traits that will live on forever in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Gwen never complained about what life threw at her and always found something positive to say. Gwen definitely knew that family was number one and always supported them in their choices. Gwen was always expressing pride and love for her family. Gwen has left behind family who will have fantastic memories to keep them going forever. The one thing I know that as the family say good-bye to Gwen, for very tear that is shed there will be laughter and music, as all the wonderful memories are shared. I will never forget you Gwen. - Posted by: Brenda (friend) on: Sep 03, 2019
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My condolences to your family. Your Mom was such a wonderful lady a joy to be around with a great smile. I remember the strong friendship developed between your mom and my Mom Louise and my Aunt Evelyne. My Aunt would frequently ask me during my visits with her at the nursing home, " How is Gwen doing?" I usually had tidbits of information about your mom over the past few years to fill her in. ( Aunt Evelyne passed away this year in May) Your Mom was wonderful helping me and Larry through the tough times in 1967 when our Mom Louise passed away. She was always so helpful and comforting. Pat and I are away at a friends daughter's wedding in Strathmore AB on Sept 7 and very unfortunately cannot attend the Service. As my brother told me of a conversation with Bruce, "She nailed it". A great Lady who will certainly will be missed. All our love Ken and Pat Lenton. - Posted by: Ken Lenton (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2019
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Bruce, Marcie and family. So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Sounds like she enjoyed life right to the end! How wonderful! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! Pat & Jo-Anne. - Posted by: Pat McNeil (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2019
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Bruce, Marcie and Girls. I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Forbes' passing. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. - Posted by: B A Bowors (Cousin) on: Sep 03, 2019
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My deepest sympathy to the family. I have fond memories of your mother as I was frequently invited over while I was attending the U of Wpg. After reading her obituary, I now realize how humble and unassuming your mother was as I never heard her talk of her accomplishments which were many - she just "DID." I last saw your mom & dad at my nephew's funeral 25 years ago and had a brief visit with them but regretfully did not have an opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation about their time in India and life in general. Take care and best regards to all. James Cornock 412, 717 - 1st Ave. SW Calgary AB 1(403) 457 - 0759 - Posted by: James Cornock (Cousin) on: Sep 02, 2019
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She was a wonderful lady. She’ll be missed. Rest In Peace Gwen. - Posted by: Judy and Dave Brewer (Friends) on: Aug 31, 2019