Gwendolyn Gwen Monarch (McBride)

Gwen was born on February 27, 1931 in Cortez, Colorado to James A. McBride and Maude A. Morelock McBride. She grew up in Cortez, an area she truly enjoyed and adored.

Following her graduation from Montezuma High School, she attended Adams State College, Alamosa, Colorado on a scholarship. She majored in Medical Technology and completed her internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gwen returned to Colorado, where she entered the medical field in Denver working at St. Luke’s Hospital. She later joined Boulder Medical Center, where she was lab supervisor for several of those years. She worked at BMC from 1973 until her retirement in 1996.

Gwen took great pride and joy raising and spending time with her family. She was a master of balancing her professional life and being there for her children’s needs and events. Her grandchildren have brought her constant companionship and brightened her life immensely. She was fearless, independent and selfless, putting everyone in front of her own personal needs. Numerous health woes the past few years didn’t slow her down, never complaining or dampening an opportunity to spend quality time with her beloved family. Gwen was a survivor and instilled that same quality in her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her family her favorite pastimes were traveling, reading, watching football and spending time with friends. When she finished up school she traveled to Egypt with friends, then cruised the Caribbean on a steamer with her mother. She loved to visit her lifelong friends, John and Dorothy’s ranch in Alamosa and relax while watching the ducks swim on the pond, eating some exotic food or watching the Longhorns in the field. She and her friend Pat took numerous trips around the country and even abroad, enjoying the sights and each other’s company. A veracious reader, she could frequently be found curled up with a great book of any subject or type. Gwen looked forward to and enjoyed the special conversations, lunches and times with her many friends. She was very well loved and revered by her family and peers.

Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother Jim McBride.

Surviving are her daughter Michelle (Mark) Zeutzius of Monument, Colorado; two sons Mike (Debbie) Monarch of Brush, Colorado and James (Paula) Monarch of Herculaneum, Missouri; and six grandchildren Emily, Cameron, Ellie and Kaylynn Monarch and Zach and Alex Zeutzius.

A cremation has been entrusted to the Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for March 25, 2011 at 11:00 am. It will be held at The Event Center at Church Ranch located at 10200 Old Wadsworth Blvd., Westminster, CO. She will be laid to rest in Cortez, Colorado.

Contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2255 S. Oneida, Denver, CO 80224