Gwen Abley 1948 — 2017

Gwen Abley

Born in a snow storm;

she left us in a snow storm.

 

It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Gwen Abley on Friday, November 3, 2017 at the age of 69. Gwen was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her incredible generosity, tireless advocacy, deep faith in the Lord and her endless devotion to her family, friends, and students. Gwen was predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Hilda (Coxson) Angell, and her brother, Paul Angell. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, William (Bill) Abley of Kamloops as well as her three children: Bill (Nicole) Abley of Prince George, Jayne (Michael) Latta of Kamloops and Andrew (Lisa) Abley of Kamloops and her sister, Gail Muliner-Ovington of Kamloops and niece Brenda Muliner (Dmytro Antonovych) of Kamloops. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Christopher and Nicholas (Prince George), Isaac and Hannah (Kamloops) and Kenzie (Kamloops). Gwen also leaves behind sister-in-law Linda Angell, brother-in-lawsAlun (Alison) and Stephen Abley; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gladys Gwen Angell was born on January 9, 1948 to Wilfred and Hilda (Coxson) Angell, the third of their three children. She was born in Summerland, BC and spent her early life in Kelowna, and Kamloops. She met her future husband, Bill, in the summer of 1964 and they married on August 24, 1968. Gwen received her post-secondary education from both the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia where she received her Bachelor Degree in Education in 1980. Gwen taught elementary school in the Kamloops-Thompson School District for 37 years and touched the lives of countless students. She will be remembered as a thoughtful educator and mentor to students and colleagues alike.In addition to being a wonderful teacher, Gwen was a brilliant artist. Her family was always honoured to receive one of her beautiful paintings. Gwen will also be remembered for her steadfast faith and love for Christ. She was a founding member of the Kamloops Alliance Church and devoted countless hours of selfless service to God through her work with the church. She was truly filled with the fruit of the spirit. Gwen was particularly devoted to her grandchildren and when she was with them her natural sparkle shone particularly bright.

A Funeral Service to honour her life will take place on Friday, November 10th at 11 a.m. in the Kamloops Alliance Church (200 Leigh Rd Kamloops BC). Special thank-you to Dr. Kelly and the nurses at the Royal Inland Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Terry Fox Foundation in her memory.

Miss me but let me go; Jesus has called me home.         

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26 Tributes

  1. Alan Peterson
    Posted November 6, 2017 at 9:11 pm | Permalink

    I enjoyed working with Gwen at A.E. Perry. Gwen wanted the best for her students and she was a great teacher. My condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May Gwen rest in peace and God Bless her soul!

  2. Bill and Diana Roper
    Posted November 7, 2017 at 9:52 am | Permalink

    Our hearts go out to you and your family, Andrew.
    You have so many amazing memories and keepsakes to remember what a great Mother you had the privilege to have

  3. Melanie
    Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:15 am | Permalink

    A very kind and loving lady. She lead by example.
    Will be missed by so many.

  4. Lynn Eberts
    Posted November 8, 2017 at 1:39 pm | Permalink

    We are so sorry to read of Gwen’s passing. She was a truly gracious,kind and loving person. We know that she will be so very missed by everyone who knew her. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
    Tony and Lynn Eberts

  5. Pam Lovett
    Posted November 8, 2017 at 1:58 pm | Permalink

    I am so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. What a wonderful tribute to Gwen. Thinking of Bill and family.

  6. Carolyn Eagles
    Posted November 8, 2017 at 2:33 pm | Permalink

    I am so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. I enjoyed teaching with Gwen at Westmount from ’92 -’99. Lovely tribute to your mom, Jayne. Love and prayers during this difficult time.

  7. Pam Doherty
    Posted November 8, 2017 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

    Thinking of you at this difficult time, Bill and family. I remember all the helpful teaching tips Gwen offered to me when I started in the district in ’91. Truly a remarkable teacher and wonderful person!

  8. Ann-Marie Hunter
    Posted November 8, 2017 at 10:21 pm | Permalink

    Such sad news! Gwen was a very beautiful, caring person. I enjoyed working with her at Westmount. Her constant smile was a wonderful gift to us all. I’m thinking of all the family at this difficult time – love and peace.

  9. Bev Clark
    Posted November 9, 2017 at 2:31 pm | Permalink

    Bill, Jayne, Mike, Isaac and Hannah…my deepest condolences to you as you go through this difficult time. May God’s love and peace carry you as you lean on His strength…sincerest blessings. Bev Clark

  10. Laurie Hunter
    Posted November 9, 2017 at 3:53 pm | Permalink

    It is a sad loss for this lovely ladies family, she was a wonderful, kind, caring teacher. Sincere condolences to Gwen’s family and friends.

  11. glenn armstrong
    Posted November 11, 2017 at 9:12 am | Permalink

    Bill Andrew and Family – we were profoundly saddened to hear of your loss. Having many great memories of working with Gwen through the football booster club and at our games. Will always cherish memories of her laugh and enthusiasm. Sorry we didn’t contact you earlier and won’t be able to attend the service as I’ve just been released from hospital. Thinking of you all the time and trust we can follow up with a conversation soon. Please take care, Glenn and Judy

  12. Terri Anne Wilson
    Posted November 11, 2017 at 12:15 pm | Permalink

    I still have the special blanket you made and gave me so many years ago when you cared for me with such love and devotion. I will share your memory with my little daughter when I wrap her in the special blanket, and show her the same love and kindness you showed me and so many others over the years we were all blessed with knowing you. With loving thoughts for you Gwen, and your beautiful family.

  13. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:38 pm | Permalink

    Andrew

  14. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:39 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  15. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:39 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  16. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:39 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  17. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:40 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  18. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:40 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

    I think I met you in September at the school during the Terry Fox Presentations

  19. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  20. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

    She would be happy to know the blanket memory is still being continued on.

  21. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    Thank you Coach for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling knowing that other will miss her also.
    Mom will be missed and never forgotten. I hope you and your wife are doing well. I have such great memories from the football days.

  22. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:43 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling know that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  23. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:43 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling knowing that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  24. Andrew Abley
    Posted November 19, 2017 at 12:43 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for your kind words from our entire family.

    We do appreciate your kind words and it makes me smiling knowing that other will miss her also. Mom will be missed and never forgotten.

  25. Daniela O'Fee
    Posted November 30, 2017 at 6:17 pm | Permalink

    Dear Jayne and Gail, I am sorry for the loss of your lovely artist, educator and mentor. Please accept my deepest condolences. Sincerely, Daniela O’Fee

  26. Karen Whidden
    Posted January 9, 2023 at 8:50 am | Permalink

    Hi Andrew, don’t know if you remember me from Canadian Tire, Karen. Your mom and I were best friends in high school. Was sad to hear about Gwen.

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