Gwendolyn Cole
June 10, 1969 - February 24, 2013
Obituary
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Our beloved and wonderful wife and daughter Gwen died peacefully at home at 4:30 yesterday afternoon, Sunday, February 24, from complications arising from her lifelong heart issues. She passed away serenely, surrounded by her husband Dana, her parents Joanne and Art, and two of her close friends from childhood, Denis and Moira McGrath.
Gwen was born June 10, 1969, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She was a 1987 graduate of Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a proud alumna of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Seattle University. After graduation she moved to Seattle, where she married Dana Guppy on September 14, 2002. Gwen worked as an accountant and volunteered in many civic activities in Seattle. She was an active member of St. Edward’s Church in Seattle. In recent years she was especially happy in the company of her knitting friends of the Columbia City Knitters.
Throughout her life, Gwen confronted and overcame severe heart problems; however, she did not make them the focus of her life, and many of her friends and acquaintances were unaware of her physical issues. She was very easy to love. She tremendously enjoyed cats, knitting, and her friends. She and Dana adopted several dogs and cats whom they loved and cared for. She had a brave heart and gentle disposition, and she treasured trusting relationships. She returned home to hospice in mid-February to enjoy the company of her friends and family, and after ten days, on Sunday afternoon, she simply went to sleep.
Visitation for Gwen will be Thursday, February 28, at the Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, Sea-Tac, Washington, from 3 PM. We will say the Rosary for Gwen at 7:00.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Felino Paulino 10:00 Friday, March 1 at St. Edward’s Church, 4200 S Mead St., Seattle (on Orcas St.). Arrangements are pending for services in Michigan on Friday March 8 at Nie Funeral Home on Carpenter Road in Ann Arbor, and a funeral Mass on Saturday morning, March 9, at Holy Trinity Student Chapel in Ypsilanti, followed by burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Ypsilanti.
Please keep Gwen, and us, in your prayers. She was much loved and we miss her terribly.
Dana Guppy
Art and Joanne Cole
We’re very sorry to learn of Gwen’s death – and at such a young age. You have our sympathies on the loss of your wife and partner, Dana. Gwen was always good for a chat about the neighborhood, pets and job searching. She will be missed and remembered.
I am very unhappy to learn about Gwen’s death. She was a cheerful person, and would always welcome me with a cup of coffee. Hope that time will heal the sorrow for Dana, and Gwen’s parents.
This transition in the circle of life is always a difficult time. Gwen will be conspicuous in her absence in this neighborhood. We send our condolences to Dana and to the families.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Dana. We’re so sorry to hear about your loss. She was very special and will be missed.
Dear Art, Joanne & Dana,
I have no words to express how deeply sorry we are to hear about Gwen. I’m in shock to hear this news. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal” (from a headstone in Ireland)
Dana, I am so sorry to learn of Gwen’s passing. It will be quite different not seeing her puttering in your back yard or out walking in the park. Having lost a partner myself, I think I have some idea of the grief you must be experiencing. While death is a part of the circle of life, it’s never easy losing those we love. We thoughts are with you.
Dana, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Even though we moved from the neighborhood almost 10 years ago, I have happy memories of chatting with you and Gwen, watching you both walk around the block with a cat following you, and generally adding to the wonderful fabric of that great neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Gwen’s family. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Dear Dana, My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Gwen and I went to Saint Mary’s together and had recently reconnected. Thinking of all of you.
I am very sorry to hear about Gwen’s passing. I worked with her in the United Way of King County audit room where she volunteered a lot of her time. I enjoyed our visits. I can’t believe Gwen’s gone… she was so young! Gwen and her family will be remembered in my prayers.
Our warmest thoughts and condolences are with you Dana, Joanne and Art. Gwen, you’ve enlightened us all, you always shown a smile and spirit of positiveness, you are forever young. Aloha ‘oe a hui hou kakou. Farewell to you until we meet again.
Dana, I’m so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. She bore her physical troubles with grace, modesty, and a strength of character that was extraordinary. I’ll miss her, too. A great loss to all who knew her–
We will never forget her. We remember her generosity and welcome when we visited Seattle, and also from her trip to Massachusetts a few years ago. Everyone will miss her.
Dana,
We are sad to hear that Gwen has passed. We so enjoyed meeting her. She was truly lovely and loving. As I knit, I will think of her.
Dana and family – we are so sorry to hear of your loss and hope that you all remember the good times. Gwen will be missed.
Dana, I’m so sorry for your loss. I met Gwen freshman year at St. Mary’s. She was such a kind, gentle soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this sad time.
Gwen was a sweet, mild-mannered lady. Her time and work here at United Way of King County is greatly appreciated. We will miss her occasional visits.
My prayers and condolenses to her husband and family.
Gwen was truly one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I can’t recall her ever speaking an angry word or being anything but kind. Working together at United Way of King County was a wonderful experience, in part, due to her presence. As we arrived each morning, we knew we could count on Gwen’s smile to start the day. And throughout the day, positive and humorous conversations with her sped the work along. She was dependably thoughtful and considerate to all. Her life, though too short, was quietly well lived. In her graceful, lovely way Gwen leaves a wonderful legacy to all who know and love her.
Dana, Art and Joanne
We will always remember Gwen. Her ever present thoughtful demeanor and subtle humor made her a good friend.
We are sad for all those who knew her because she will be
missed.
Joe & Lisa
Dana, Dear Old Friend,
May Peace somehow find you again on the journey ahead. Let your love for Gwen and your precious time together be your companion. Bless you both and know that we love you.
Betsy and Rai
Dana, I had the honor of meeting you and sweet Gwen on
the sunner of 2011 when our mutual friends Alan and Sandra Weiner were in town.
My heart goes out to all of you, much love. Luis
Dear Dana, Mr. and Mrs. Cole,
My deepest sympathy is extended to you at this time of great loss. I am saddened to have heard about Gwen’s recent passing though I am grateful for our last visit while she stayed at UWMC.
Gwen and I worked together at PACCAR Parts. We kept in touch after we moved to other positions. Gwen was always kind and gracious. She never complained about her heart condition and faced adversity with inner strength and faith. I recall with fondness having dinner and being invited to a summer barbecue at Dana and Gwen’s home. A few years ago, Gwen and I had attended a Mariners baseball game and the Seattle University Alumni Advent mass and reception. I will miss Gwen’s friendship and zest for life.
Gwen and all of you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Annette
Chico: I was crushed to learn the your lovely wife Gwen passed. Here is a poem I wrote.
“NEW STAR”
Another star was born today that far outshines all other stars in the sky
Look, Look up, is that “New Star” twinkling at you and I
This star is ohh so special, her name is Gwen and she is so proud
She shielded friends and family from her illness, keep it wrapped tightly in a shroud
Remember her generosity, love of walks and stray pets
Remember her gorgeous smile, something we’ll never forget
Remember with fondness how humorous she could be
Remember the time the cat got stuck in the old oak tree
God filled Gwen with sweetness, joy and love for her to share with all she knew
Gwen would do anything for you if she had to travel to Timbuktu
Her inner strength and faith entwined like pieces she would knit
Dana saw this and knew he and Gwen would share life, a perfect fit
Though their life together was brief, it was filled with a zillion memories
Dana will share with everyone not keep them under lock and key
As you cry your rainbow tears, the “New Star” grows larger in the sky
Look, Look up, it glows luminous rainbow hues way, way up high
Each time you gaze upward and see this “New Star” which looks like no other
Lovingly think of Gwen as she shines down, everyone’s Foster Mother
Jean E. Marzilli 2/24/2013
Dear Dana and the Cole Family.
I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember our wonderful times together. Every day visiting Dana and Gwen started with scones and latte’s then off on adventures. Every day ended with walking Wooby and Chico. A favorite memory will always be the three of us in Kittery Maine when Gwen ate more fresh caught and steamed Maine Lobsters than Dana and I. Gwen’s altruism came natural to her. May Gwen’s memory allways be comforting to Dana, the Cole family and all those that Loved and Cared for her.
Walter
I worked with Gwen at PACCAR Parts. After I retired, she would join us for our lunch meetings and it was wonderful to hear how she was doing. She always had a smile on her face and pleasant thoughts to pass to us. She will be greatly missed. My thought go out to all the family at this time of this great loss.
My heart and thought go out to you Dana and family. Dad always had nice things to say about Gwen when he visited.
Love you
Danielle
To Dana and Gwen’s parents
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Gwen at PACCAR. She was a sweet lady and always smiling. Many of us remember her. The “lunch bunch” hasn’t got together in awhile so I didn’t know her health had deteriorated. I didn’t know of her passing until yesterday and now will let others know also. May God bless and comfort you all.
I also worked with Gwen at PACCAR Parts. Gwen always kept to herself but was always willing to help if asked. Gwen was very nice and always had a smile on her face not matter what the situation was. Although she left the company and came back to visit a few other employees for lunch, it was always good to see her, still smiling. I just found out about her passing today and want you to know that my thoughts and prays are with the family. Her smiling face will be missed.
Our hearts and prayers of love and support go out to you Dana and the Cole family at this time of sadness. May her spirit soar.
I too was a co-worker of Gwen’s at PACCAR Parts Division. However, it was due to our membership in the RAPTORS Toastmasters club, which met on the Renton Campus, that I came to know her more personally. It was through her speeches, both for our club meetings and for area contests, that I watched my friend blossom before us. I am all the richer for having known her and calling her my friend during her life’s journey.
Gwen was a wonderful person with a delightful smile that could light up a room and will be missed. I met her through Toastmasters at PACCAR and will never forget her courage in giving her introductory speech and how even though she was shaking like a leaf in the wind she did made it through like the courageous person she was. Her smile will light up the heavens now.
My deepest sympathies to my dear old friend and to Gwen’s parents.
My thoughts and prayers go to Gwen and her family. I met Gwen early in our years at Saint Mary’s College, but didn’t get to really know her until our Senior Year when she she served as our Class of ’91 Social Action Chair. When Gwen interviewed for the role, I was humbled by the commitment she had to her community and the willingness she had to serve, even though it was not easy. It shined in the work she was able to accomplish. It was an honor to know her, and work with her. The world will miss her.
I was a classmate of Gwen’s at Saint Mary’s. She was always so sweet and always in a good mood. My deepest condolences to her family and friends for their loss.
I was a classmate of Gwen’s at Saint Mary’s College and I am so sad to hear of her passing– it sounds like she was brightening her community and she is gone much too soon. Gwen always had a smile on her face and a shy manner–she also always had a spring in her step and seemed so happy. I can only imagine what a sweet and beautiful angel she will be. I pray for Dana and her family during this time–I know she will be missed.
I met Gwen when she joined the Columbia City Knitters group a few years ago. She was a sweet addition to the group with her bright smile and happy disposition. It was a delight to watch her knitting blossom. She offered humorous and insightful comments to the gabbing about our lives. Gwen was modest about her illness, bearing it to the end with grace and dignity. I never once heard Gwen complain, even during the final months of her life in hospitals. In fact she had nothing but nice things to say about the hospitals and staff, and was concerned about her friends worrying for her. She is an inspiration. I am honored to have become her friend and miss her very much.
Dana;
I am so sorry about the course of things . . . but I trust that the care, prayers and thoughts of your friends and family will see you through.
I was happy to have made a visit to see you and Gwen a week before her passing.
You and Gwen’s support of Dignity/Seattle (GLBT Catholics) years before it was popular has always touched our hearts.
Be well, my friend, and let the memories of your life together provide the foundation for the next phase of your life.
Yours in heartfelt sympathy,
Leo
PS: I would have attended the services last week, except that I was in Phoenix Arizona attending DignityUSA Board Meetings.
Dana,
I am so sorry for your loss of Gwen. I have been praying for God to give you, your family, and friends who knew Gwen strength and healing as you mourn her passing. It is a blessing to see the reflection of the love shared by all of you towards Gwen, and her love towards each of you through your thoughts and comments here. Thank you all so much for taking the time to share. I can see she was a beautiful person and a true gift to all who knew her.
Steve
how very sad. i am so sorry,
my dearest friend gwen.
i am at a loss for words,
the memories are so strong.
Gwen was a precious friend to me these last few years. Her quiet gentle nature was one I appreciated. We served together on the Group Health Capitol Hill Medical Council and enjoyed our sharing the Port of Seattle tour events together. I treasure the time I was able to spend with her in January/ early February. Her smile, quirky humor, tenacity and love for her family and friends I will always remember. My thoughts are with all of you, Dana and family, please know that she touched my life deeply and I think fondly of her often. Many Blessings for this new angel.
Dana, I am sorry for your loss. I know how wonderful you were with her through her final medical battles. You were such a great part of the incredible care she got going through the worst of it. Stay strong, you are loved. Walter