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”.

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