We Remember

FORD, Gwenythe
June 14, 1939 — March 11, 2025
Gwenythe Ford, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on June 14, 1939, in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Gwen lived a life full of love, kindness, and adventure, always embracing those around her with warmth and acceptance.
She was known for her unwavering support of others, always extending a helping hand to those in need. Her kindness and wisdom guided many, and her adventurous spirit took her around the world, experiencing different cultures and making lasting memories.
A passionate gardener, she found immense joy in tending to flowers, carefully planning their bloom, so there was always beauty to admire. Her love for baking and cooking led her to create countless recipes, filling her home with the comforting aromas of cuisines from around the world. She also had an eye for interior design and house architecture, playing a key role in designing her own waterfront home, emphasizing natural light and serene ocean views.
In her early years, she worked in the military in Churchill, Manitoba, where she braved blizzards and polar bear encounters. Later, she built a successful career as a real estate agent in Vancouver, BC for over 20 years. She was deeply involved in her church, helping individuals and families in need, often welcoming them into her home to help them get back on their feet. Her passion for creativity also led her to become a fashion designer in Calgary, AB, crafting elegant dresses and gowns. After her son moved away from home, she moved back to Vancouver and enjoyed Kitsilano’s flowers, walkways, and beaches. Later in life, she moved to Kelowna, BC, where she lovingly tended her own large garden for over a decade.
She was one of eight siblings, growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan before moving to the city as a teenager. In her 20s, she met the love of her life on a ski hill in Lake Louise; they married and had a son. She was known for her impeccable fashion sense – walking down the street in white leather knee-high boots and Chanel glasses, pushing a baby carriage with style. She travelled the world with her husband, including a visit to Japan for the World’s Fair in 1970. Tragically, she became a widow at the young age of 39, raising her only son with immense love and strength.
As a mother and grandmother, she was endlessly supportive and nurturing, always creating a welcoming home filled with warmth. She lovingly crafted clothes for her granddaughter and made beautiful quilts for family weddings. Every Christmas, she created elaborate gingerbread houses, trains, and festive scenes, bringing joy to all who gathered around her table. Her home was a place of comfort for anyone who stepped inside.
She loved a good conversation over a glass of wine, often discussing politics and world events with a keen mind and a smirk, punctuated by her signature “yea, right!”. Her sense of humour and appreciation for life’s little ironies brought laughter to those around her.
She was a deeply spiritual person who respected all beliefs, embodying kindness and the philosophy that everyone deserves love. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and warmth will continue to inspire those who knew her.
A Celebration of Life for Gwen will be held when the flowers are in bloom in Kelowna at one of her favourite places around the beginning of June. Please RSVP to gwenlovesflowers@icloud.com if you are interested in attending and would like to receive more details as they become available.
May her love and spirit live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Sorry for your loss Steve. Your mom was a great lady! Love Tom Sue
Sorry for your lost stevens. She probably planning her new garden
Gwen was a special neighbour residing across the road from each other. We chatted frequently … mainly of a kibitzing nature. We didn’t have to think twice about where to dispose of our Fall tree leaves (several large bags of them) as Gwen was always keen on having them for her splendid gardening areas. We’ll deeply miss her intellect and warm presence within our neighbourhood.
She would tell me that your tree was one of the reasons her garden looked so good. Called it a magic soil tree. Many times I would go over when I was in town to get more leaves to mulch in the garden.
I loved Gwen, I visited often at her house and at the hospital, we always had lovely conversations, and he was a real gardener and helped me with many things, I shall miss her, I thought she would pull through, I am so sorry for your loss!!
Sorry to hear about your mom💔. She was in inspiration and admiration to me. I loved who she was.. She was a great sister, and I will truly miss her, but I know she is in a better place🙏🌹
I knew Gwen very well, I visited her the hospital many time and before at her house. Loved her expertise about gardening. She was a happy person and very helpful, she supplied so many people with pants and seeds…..I shall miss her and some of our gatherings, and she helped me with sawing, she had sooo many talents, I shall miss her!
Sorry for the loss of a good neighbour and sending sincere condolences to all Gwen’s family. We always enjoyed chatting with Gwen
My condolences Steve and family. So sorry for your loss. Add another big hug. I am sooo glad you were there with her when she left. It’s still hard to believe, I see her everywhere. Here’s another momento for you. I’ll send you more pics later.
My condolences to Steve, it’s a big loss for you and your family.Gwen was really supportive,was very kind person,rest in peace dear Gwen I know you are in Heaven !We love you! You were like a mom to us.You took care of me.We will remember you you are in our hearts for ever!
I am so sorry Steve and family, your mom was so kind to all and she had the best sense of humour and style. I just loved her view on life, always making things beautiful. I am so glad I got to visit aunty when we were in Kelowna.
My Condolences to Gwen’s family. I was her neighbour across the road and
we had many chats which I shall miss.