TOOPE, GWENDOLYN RITA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Rita Toope (Reid) at 81 yrs. Gwen was born in Green’s Harbour, Newfoundland, where she grew up and where she also met the love of her life, Doug. They were married in 1950 and began their life’s adventure.
Because of Doug’s work, they resided in many places in Newfoundland: Gander, Corner Brook, Mount Pearl,
Pasadena and Springdale. Gwen was always very active in her community with Kinettes, curling, dancing and square dancing. She and Doug made, and retained, many friends
in each town, and when retirement took them to British
Columbia in 1985, they returned to Newfoundland almost every summer to visit with family and friends. They lived in Qualicum Beach for a short time and then moved to
Parksville where Gwen and Doug became involved in
curling, dance, and the Seniors’ Center. In 2001 Gwen
and Doug moved to Kelowna. They joined square dancing and became very involved with the Seniors Centers’ dances and activities. Gwen was always instrumental in pursuing new friendships and activities and this kept her and Doug very busy. She loved to walk every day, usually going in
excess of 5 km per walk. She received many curling medals and trophies during her curling years, and she was devoted to watching the Canadian national curling championships, rooting for Newfoundland all the way. Gwen had strong family beliefs, and devoted her life to caring for her husband and raising their children. In November of 2000 Gwen and Doug went on their dream vacation to Australia where they stayed for over 6 weeks enjoying the Gold Coast and many sights. Gwen was predeceased by her two brothers, Gordon (Phyllis) and John (Evelyne) and her two sisters, Jenny
(Alex) and Olive (Stan) and finally, by her sweetheart, Doug, in 2005. She is survived by her sister, Shirley (Claude), her two sons, Lloyd (Maggie) and Terry (Janet) and her
daughter, Linda (Rick). She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Shaun (Kera), Crista and Ashley (Michael), two step grandchildren, Rian (Susie) and Melissa, as well
as three great-grandchildren, Terra and Marshall (Ashley) and Kai (Shaun) and three step great-grandchildren, Lewis and Levi (Rian) and Alma (Melissa). She passed peacefully away on October 27th with family at her side and holding her hand. She will be missed. Much thanks to all the staff at Hillside Village and to Dr. Goldberg for their enduring care through the ups and downs. A commemoration of Gwen’s (and Doug’s) life will be held with family and friends during the summer of 2013 in Newfoundland. In lieu of flowers,
a donation may be made to the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Canada.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’ S FUNERAL
SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm,
(250) 833-1129. EMAIL condolences and share memories at: www.fischersfuneralservices.com.