Obituary for Gwendolyn Anderson (Shaw)
Gwendolyn Anderson (nee Shaw) passed away in her sleep on May 18, 2022, at Sunrise of Lynn Valley in North Vancouver. Born July 3, 1931, Gwen was 90 years old. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Sharon Greig (nee Anderson), son-in-law Michael Greig, her grandsons Alexander and Connor Greig, her family and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Wilfred, her son Steve, her sister Violet, brothers Cap, Jack and Alec.
Gwen was a long-time resident of North Vancouver, born and raised here. She married the love of her life Wilfred in 1951. They built their home in the Grand Boulevard area in 1954 and moved there to raise a family after a short time living in Divine BC. They lived in their home for 67 years until moving to Sunrise. Gwen would tell everyone they were “Old Lonsdale”, having grown up with street cars, ferries, the shipyards, and driving across the rail bridge to Vancouver before the Iron Workers was built.
Gwen was a loving traditional family mom, and well liked in the community. She loved her kids, grandsons, her family, her friends. She loved her family home and all that it stood for. She was always there to help.
Gwen was a swimming instructor and lifeguard at the North Vancouver Rec Centre where she worked until retirement. She opened the pool every morning at 5AM, instructing and guarding her swimmers.
Gwen was full of life and energy. She will always be remembered for her favorite expressions “Sugar-de-dee!” and “Eena-koona!”. She could be heard whistling like a bird in her kitchen or on the sundeck. When she was younger, she would go out “steppin” with her “Wolf”, or “for whist and a dance”. As a mom she jumped at the opportunity to partake (and win) in sporting events for school, family and work outings.
Gwen was an amazing cook. She was in her element preparing traditional meals for large holiday and family gatherings. Her specialty was “Spaget” as she called it, multiple pasta dishes with homemade spaghetti sauce from her garden tomatoes, stewed chicken, meatballs, huge salads (and red wine).
Gwen and Wilf travelled the world extensively. She loved cruise ships and travelling overseas to the furthest parts of the world. From the South Pole to Iceland. When they weren’t cruising, they were travelling across Canada, the US and Mexico in their motorhome. Gwen loved the casinos (and won!), always planning her next visit.
Gwen was a long-time resident of North Vancouver, born and raised here. She married the love of her life Wilfred in 1951. They built their home in the Grand Boulevard area in 1954 and moved there to raise a family after a short time living in Divine BC. They lived in their home for 67 years until moving to Sunrise. Gwen would tell everyone they were “Old Lonsdale”, having grown up with street cars, ferries, the shipyards, and driving across the rail bridge to Vancouver before the Iron Workers was built.
Gwen was a loving traditional family mom, and well liked in the community. She loved her kids, grandsons, her family, her friends. She loved her family home and all that it stood for. She was always there to help.
Gwen was a swimming instructor and lifeguard at the North Vancouver Rec Centre where she worked until retirement. She opened the pool every morning at 5AM, instructing and guarding her swimmers.
Gwen was full of life and energy. She will always be remembered for her favorite expressions “Sugar-de-dee!” and “Eena-koona!”. She could be heard whistling like a bird in her kitchen or on the sundeck. When she was younger, she would go out “steppin” with her “Wolf”, or “for whist and a dance”. As a mom she jumped at the opportunity to partake (and win) in sporting events for school, family and work outings.
Gwen was an amazing cook. She was in her element preparing traditional meals for large holiday and family gatherings. Her specialty was “Spaget” as she called it, multiple pasta dishes with homemade spaghetti sauce from her garden tomatoes, stewed chicken, meatballs, huge salads (and red wine).
Gwen and Wilf travelled the world extensively. She loved cruise ships and travelling overseas to the furthest parts of the world. From the South Pole to Iceland. When they weren’t cruising, they were travelling across Canada, the US and Mexico in their motorhome. Gwen loved the casinos (and won!), always planning her next visit.