Gwendoline Ethel Garlick (nee Clarke) was born on March 15, 1926 in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan and passed away on March 16, 2022 in Vernon, BC at the age of 96 and a day.
Gwen was the eldest of eight children born to George and Nelly Clarke.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Jim Clarke, and George Clarke.
She is survived by Harry (Reta) Clarke, Lillian (Doug) Hein, Chuck (Mary) Clarke, Jenny (Bob) Schram and Ben Clarke.
Gwen moved west to Coldstream with her parents and siblings where she met Don Garlick. Gwen and Don were married in 1950 and built a home on Coldstream Creek Road. Gwen gave birth to three children: Janet (Lawrence) Steele, Donna (Ralph) Johnson and Jim (Karen Thoresen) Garlick, who produced grandchildren: Tabitha (Brendan), Jason (Christy), Jackie (Ken), Jack (Tara), Brian, Kelsey, Eli and Mika, who resulted in great grandchildren: Patrick, Trystan, Tyler, Aurora, Cassie, Austin, Kaden, Seth, Brynn and finally a great grandchild, Emberly.
This was an amazing feat considering that she had been told that she would never be able to have children after being run over by a tractor in a terrible accident and having her pelvis crushed soon after marriage. Gwen was very proud of her family. She became known and loved as "Nan" to all these people along with dozens of nieces and nephews.
Gwen and Don spent 61 years together before Don passed away in 2011. Gwen remained in the family home with her flower garden, which she loved, right up until her final week when she had to be admitted to Vernon Jubilee Hospital where she received care from wonderful hospital staff and her children in her final days.
She spent her last birthday with us before passing on 25 minutes into the following day.
Gwen was a strong, stoic, resilient person. She was a creative artist, talented gardener and warm caregiver to many family members and friends. She was a dedicated wife, mother and community volunteer who will be remembered for her kindness, love of children and gardening. She will be greatly missed by her family, neighbours, and friends.
A small gathering of family and friends is planned for Easter Sunday in Gwen's Garden for a final farewell.
If you wish, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in the memory of Gwen.
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