Gwyneth Colleen Kenat

October 11, 1931 – January 17, 2025

Gwyneth Colleen Kenat, a beloved member of the Carlsbad, CA community for over 60 years,

passed away at the age of 93 on Friday, January 17, 2025. Born in Central Iowa on October 11,

1931, to Lloyd and Ester Lomax, Gwyneth was the middle child and last surviving sibling of

five, raised on a family farm. She graduated high school at the age of 16 as valedictorian and

later attended Drake University, where she began to shape the adventurous, determined spirit that

defined her life.

Before her 20th birthday, Gwyneth moved to California, where she would go on to live in

Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before settling in Carlsbad. It was here in

Carlsbad, where she lived for more than six decades, that she truly made her mark, not only as

the owner of Carlsbad Jewelers from 1964 to 1978 but also through her deep involvement in

local organizations. Gwyneth was a member of the Carlsbad Women’s Club, Emblem Club, Elk’s

Ladies Auxiliary, and the Carlsbad Welcome Wagon, helping newcomers feel at home in the

community she loved so much.

A lifelong traveler, Gwyneth had a special fondness for Big Bear and Solvang, where she stayed

many times. She was also part of the Carlsbad Town Committee that traveled to Denmark,

assisting with the development of LEGO Land Carlsbad. Her travels also took her to Canada,

Mexico, Europe, and Japan, enriching her life with memories of new places and cultures.

In her golden years, Gwyneth became a passionate volunteer. For nearly 20 years, she was

affectionately known as the “Bread and Fruit Lady” around North County, making regular

deliveries to local food banks and elderly residents. She also volunteered her time with churches,

military groups, and numerous community organizations. Even as her health began to decline in

recent years, Gwyneth was known for her unwavering spirit, always maintaining a perfect score

on her driver’s license until she stopped driving in October 2024 due to failing eyesight. Her

iconic Red Soccer Mom Van, used for her deliveries, will always be remembered as a symbol of

her caring heart.

Gwyneth was deeply loved by her family, who were fortunate to share in her later years, with

daily visits, holidays, and celebrations of life’s many milestones. She is survived by her son,

Michael; daughter-in-law, Matsumi; and her cherished granddaughters, Melissa and Marina.

A devoted animal lover, Gwyneth’s home was always filled with the pitter-patter of paws, from

Sarge, Clarence, Cindy, Mopsy, Flopsy, George, Tina Muffy, Chrissy, and Mimi, and one cat,

Tom.

Gwyneth lived a long, full, and active life, marked by a deep sense of gratitude for her many

friends, her community, and the loving family that surrounded her. She was known for her

kindness, her drive, and her enduring optimism. Though she has passed, her legacy lives on in

the countless lives she touched, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

With love, rest in peace

A visitation for Gwyneth will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM . A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM all services will be held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory located at 1999 El Camino Real. Oceanside CA 92054