I am the author of "The Artist's Way" cited as a catalyst for her creative awakening.  It thrilled me to hear her tale of courage and compassion.  Myself, I paint a little, notably white horses - the symbol for the self.  Her boat in the shallows symbolized hope and connection to me.  May she rest in peace. 

- Julia Cameron 

I am writing an annotated bibliography for my Composition class and came upon Gwendoline's article "Zen and the Art of Painting". It is one of the most amazing works I have ever read and I was absolutely entranced by the writing and imagination that flowed behind it. I never knew Mrs. Spurll in real life but reading this article made me feel close to her. She seemed like an effervescent person, someone who would  spread love and positivity wherever they went. Her article reminded me of how much I love creating art and influenced me in a way I cannot put into words. I wish I could tell her how grateful I am. May she rest in paradise.

My late father was hospitalized at the RVH in September 1997 with Acute Leukemia. Dr. Spurll was one of the physicians on service. She was professional, empathetic and caring during my father's last days. I was saddened to hear of her passing - Dr. Jeffrey Brock

In 2002, I was admitted at the Royal Vic Hospital because of a pulmonary abolism because I had a blood disorder and I had the privilege to have Dr. Spurll as an hematologist. Thank god she was there for me.. She really saved my life. When I found out about her sickness (parkinson disease) I was very sad because I had her as a doctor for over 10 years. She really made a difference in so many peoples lives just like she did in mine. She will be missed and I will never forget her as long as I live...She will live on through her great work as an hematologist and as a great loving person... Thank you Dr. Spurll.


I’d like to tell you about my big sister, Gwen. 

Gwen and I shared a bedroom for 18 years and I have many happy memories of our childhood.

Although she was usually found in her room studying, Gwen even as a teenager, was a well rounded person. She enjoyed many activities such as playing the recorder and piano, sewing her own clothes and knitting her own sweaters. She babysat and worked as a lifeguard. She belonged to clubs for gifted people. She enjoyed making fudge on Friday nights.

In more recent years Gwen took on the key role in looking after our aging mother and often put her own needs and wishes aside to yield to our mother’s preferences. She was protective of her younger siblings in that she wouldn’t let us share the task of looking after Mom too much. She took it on like a true first-born.

In 2016, our step-mom, Heather, who lived in Cobourg Ontario, became a terminal cancer patient. I became Heather’s power of attorney for health. Gwen, as usual, was eager to help, although she had been a Parkinson’s patient for over 10 years and was not too steady on her feet. Gwen came on her own by train, stayed with Heather for a week, and gave me much appreciated advice, especially when it came to  medications. 

My sister was a warm, beautiful, smart, multi-talented, conscientious, courageous person with a great sense of humour. The way she lived her life to the fullest, and kept on evolving as a person thoughout the years was nothing short of inspirational. Although she had some serious health issues she never took on any degree of victimhood but was proactive in fighting on and looking for remedies. 

She was one of a kind and I’m confident I will never meet anyone quite like her again. Words cannot express how much I will miss her!

My sincerest condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Spurll when I was still new to the RVH and she was one of the most gracious and caring people I've ever worked with. She will be greatly missed.

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr Gwen Spurll. Gwen was a gentle compassionate soul. Her love for her family and concern for all around her was evident. She will be greatly missed. 

To the family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Gwen this past week. My first contact with Gwen, on my return to the RVH, was at the RVH daycare. We both had young daughters who were taken care of at the hospital daycare. Alice and Veronique both attended daycare at the same time which afforded me time to talk with Gwen. I realized quickly by her interaction not only with her daughter but with the staff that she was passionate and a person of integrity. She had opinions that were well thought out and expressed in a way that only Gwen could do. 
Beyond the daycare setting, I got to know a fine hematologist but in reality a finer person. Gwen was patient, opinionated but always truthful and articulated statements with purpose. No one had her breadth of knowledge in immunohematology and transfusion, and how lucky we were to have her available for wisdom and council. I can not count the number of times Gwen's knowledge helped me resolve an issue in the blood bank. 
Beyond transfusion medicine, she was an important part of the care provided to pregnant patients in the woman's pavilion. Her compassion and empathy were instrumental to her success both at the woman's but also in the care she provided to her patients at large. Gwen practiced medicine like most of us would want to practice, with integrity, compassion and empathy. Her patients were of great concern and she always wanted to do the right thing, for that she never did compromise. Her honesty and forthrightness were admirable and the staff that reported to her knew she could always be counted on for council, patience and an uncanny ability to solve difficult problems. I always admired how she could take a complex immunological quirk and arrive at a simple solution. 
The MUHC community is poorer following her untimely passing. May her memory be eternal.
"Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness." Khalil Gibran

Alan Brox md
 

Gwen the beloved wife of my cousin Hendrik was a lovely, intelligent and compassionate woman.  Despite facing a formidable disease she never felt sorry for herself but soldiered on to learn as much about the disease as possible and share this information with others.  She became a talented artist and did beautiful paintings.

She was a devoted mother to her 3 children and a loving wife to Hendrik.
Her career as a hemotologist was cut short when she could no longer rely on her body to care for her patients.  The world is a sadder place without Gwen in it.

Our sympathies for your loss. A great friend to my wife  Diane. A super colleague to work with.

I have had the chance to work with Dr Spurll on 7 medical at the RVH  for many years. I remember that  on certain week-ends, we would have these wonderful conversations about our kids, music & art . And then, she would let it “slip” that she was doing boxing, dancing and painting... I would complain that although she was nearly 20 years older than me, I was unable to keep up with her!  And she would laugh it off and show me her paintings! 

She certainly loved her family, had the soul of an artist and had a wicked, wicked sense of humor. 

The last time some of us saw her was at Liz's retirement party. It was very nice to see her & Hendrik dance the night away, smiling as always.  

I send my condolences to her family & friends. She will be missed by many. ❤


I knew Dr. Spurll as a teacher in hematology while I was a resident in the program. I remember fondly her generosity in time, patience and expert knowledge. I only have good memories of working with her. I had known about her illness but the news of her passing comes as a shock.  I send my condolences to her family and friends.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gwendoline Spurll

16 octobre 1950 – 29 mai 2019

Centre funéraire Côte-Des-Neiges Inc.

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