CJ Snyder
2024, Jill's Restaurant & Bistro, Walnut Street, Boulder, CO, USA
Happy Heavenly birthday dear Gwen! We remember you as it would have been your 82nd birthday today.
It was such a joy to have celebrated your birthday last Fall at your favorite bistro Jill's! We talked of many important things like mental health, aging, family, and friends. You were always praying for me and supporting me. Thank you for being the "big sister" I never had. You taught me to "love one another" and follow the path of Christ of love, justice, and mercy in these difficult times.
Missing you so much! I am trying to watch over your dear Bill.
Love,
CJ
1
Gwen was always so warm and hospitable. She invited me to join their family in Hesperia for Thanksgiving weekend when we were both students at Stanford. She even took me along to shop for her wedding dress on that weekend! I'll never forget her burst of surprise and joy when she discovered me in a back row of the Stanford chapel as she was coming down the aisle (a whispered "Esther!") at their wedding (she hadn't expected me to be in town then). Of course, she was already bursting with joy at the prospect of joining Bill at the front of the chapel! Our sincere condolences to you, Bill, and to Ken, Paul, and Ruth.
Esther Koops (and for Rob)
1
Gwen was a wonderful friend. Her hopeful and generous spirit let her interactions with me and with others. I do miss her!
1
2022, Vienna, Austria
Enjoying lunch with Gwen and Bill
— with
Gwen and Bill Wharton
1
I, too, was shocked and sad to hear about Gwen’s passing. Gwen and I were best friends when we lived at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. We were both in 3rd grade and lived close to each other. There were 6 children in our family (William, Paul, Vena, Ruth, Arden, and Allen) and I think Gwen enjoyed all the activity at our house. Somehow, even though I lived on the East Coast and abroad, we stayed in touch and visited each other over the years. Gwen and her parents even came to visit us in Panama! Thank you for your friendship! I will never forget you.
1
2022, Boulder, CO, USA
Lunch at Chautauqua Dining Hall
— with
Gwen And, Bill, Mary and Carson Atwater from Winfield, Illinois
1
Gwen was a great friend and community builder. Shie will long be remembered.
1
We are deeply grateful to have known Gwen; she was always loving, kind, and is remembered fondly by all of us, most of all by my mother Tsege Asgedom who was in a bible study with her for many years at Wheaton Bible Church. Our condolences to Gwens' family and especially to Bill, who is also a loving, kind, wonderful human being. We will keep Gwen's memory and love in our hearts forever.
1
Joe and I are sending out our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Gwen's entire family and friends. My family first met Gwen's family when we all lived in Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah. Gwen, my sister Ruthie, and I were close friends and inseparable playmates. We have stayed in touch ever since we met and had the pleasure of visiting Gwen and Bill in Wheaton and Boulder. Gwen and Bill were in Pasadena for my son-in-law's memorial service two years ago. I am devastated by the unbelievable news of Gwen's passing. The 2024 anniversary, birthday, and Christmas cards she sent us are still displayed. To be there with all of you is our hearts' desire, but Joe's recent health issues would complicate traveling. We will join on Zoom to celebrate Gwen's life of loving, giving, nurturing, and making the world a much better place for countless souls. We love you, dearest Gwen, and you will forever be in our hearts with sweet memories to cherish.
2
I was so saddened to learn of Gwen’s passing. She was my best friend in high school and was a bridesmaid at my wedding. One summer she came with my family on a two-week vacation. In the evenings we would lay on our beds, giggle, and talk about boys. It is a fond memory I still cherish.
Gwen carried a light with her that I have seen in only a very few people. I never heard her utter a harsh word about anyone, and she was friends with everyone.
I loved her, and she will always remain in my heart .
1
In memory of an extraordinarily generous and kind mother, grandmother and friend
1
My deepest sympathy to Bill, Ruth and family. Gwen was a dear friend and coworker at Franklin Middle School. I will remember Gwen for her kindness and compassion. Her friendship was a special gift. She will be missed. However, her beautiful spirit remains in my memory. May God bless each of you with strength and peace.
1
Gwen and I were childhood friends from California beginning at about the age of 5. She was a very giving and forgiving friend. The world is a better place because of her. Thank you, Gwen, for your friendship. You will be dearly missed.
1
We are deeply sorry to hear this heartbreaking news—it was truly a shock to us. Not long after we returned from California in January, we received a Christmas card from Gwen and Bill, which mentioned that 'Gwen has been volunteering with the church and Children's Hospital Colorado, and spending quality time with friends.' At the time, we believed she was doing well. Now, so suddenly, Gwen is gone.
We have known Gwen and her family for over 40 years, since our time together at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. At that time, Weiren was a graduate student, and Bill was a professor. We met at the Presbyterian Church, and our two families became close, especially as our daughter Lily was about the same age as Ruth, and they enjoyed playing together.
After we moved to the Chicago area, Gwen and Bill introduced us to the Chinese Christian Mandarin Church (CCMC), where we have attended ever since. Though we lived in Texas for several years, we kept in touch after returning to Illinois. We attended Paul's and Ruth’s weddings, and Gwen and Bill were present at Lily’s wedding dinner, where they offered a prayer to bless the newlywed couple.
Even after they moved to Colorado, we were fortunate to meet with them each time they visited. We will always remember Gwen’s warm smile (she always smiled) and the gentle way she spoke. She was an incredibly kind and gracious person, and we miss her deeply. She is in our thoughts and prayers, and we trust she is now in a better place.
1
Gwen was so wonderful to our family. She always kept in touch with my mom, her cousin, and all of us. She also helped with my brother when he really needed it. Such a wonderful woman. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
1
Dear Bill and family, We were very sad to hear of Gwen's passing. I'm attaching our last picture together when we visited with Francois and Edna. Kind regards to all of you.
1
Our deepest condolences to Bill and family. We miss Gwen very much. She was a great person. May her soul rest in peace. - from Padma and Mohan Doss
1
1980, Los Alamos, NM, USA
Gwen wearing traditional Indian outfit (saree) with Bill
2
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