GWENDOLYN (GWEN) ALICE CLARKE (PARKER)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GWENDOLYN (GWEN) ALICE CLARKE (nee PARKER) Peacefully, with family at her side, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Alice Clarke (nee Parker) joined her beloved Jack in heaven on the night of Tuesday, August 9, 2005. Recovering from heart bypass surgery, Gwen was so happy to be home with family around her. She is greatly missed by daughter Sr. Valerie SSJD; son Gord (Michelle) and granddaughters, Lu (a teacher in China who sends her love and support through a steady stream of phone calls and e-mails) and Karen. Also missing her are brother Vernon Parker (Ruth); sister-in-law Ruth (George) Clarke; and extended family, Evelyn Dumaine (Mickey Marshall), Lisa Dumaine; honorary grandchildren, Justin and Renee Delorme; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews; and longtime friends. Gwen was predeceased by her husband Rev. John L. (Jack) Clarke; parents, Gordon and Evelyn Parker; brothers-in-law, George and Jim; and sisters-in-law, Gwen and Florence (Floss). Gwen was born at the family farm in Sanford, MB on January 26, 1930. The family moved to Winnipeg when she was 12. She made friends easily wherever she went. Gwen's was a life of service to her family, church and country. Gwen was a in the Reserve Navy as a Wren for about three years. Upon completing Normal School teacher training, she began her career at Roblin Park Charleswood School in 1951, moving over to Grosvenor School in 1954. Gwen viewed her education as a lifelong pursuit and completed her B.A. at the University of Winnipeg in 1982. The year previous, Jack was deaconed and priested, and Gwen served as his strong right hand. They ministered at St. Matthews as well as Peguis, Dynevor (new and old), Scanterbury, Morden, Walhalla, North Dakota, U.S.A, and Holy Trinity, Headingley. But always close to their hearts and the centre of so much of their lives was the parish community of St. Matthews, where they met in the choir and married. She also had wonderful memories of family and friends gathered at their cottage in Sandy Hook for more than 30 years. We thank the wonderful staff at St. Boniface Hospital, and Mom's dear family caregivers Drs. Hauch and Minuk. A memorial Eucharist will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16 at St. Matthews Anglican Church, Maryland at St. Matthews Avenue, with Rev. Dr. Cathy Campbell officiating. Those wishing to sing in the choir should attend a practice at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to St. Matthews Anglican Church, 164 St. Matthews Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 0G6. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2005