Born on October 28th, 1929 (the day before the stock market crashed) in Peotone, Illinois Gwendolyn Lucille was an only child. She grew up in Kankakee, Ill. We enjoyed hearing her stories of growing up during and after the era of World War II. She started nursing school after high school graduation but met a handsome patient, David, who soon asked her to marry him in 1949. After marriage they resided in Joliet, IL and welcomed two daughters, Karen and Linda. In 1957, Dave and Gwen decided to move to Clearwater, Florida to embark on a new career for Dave and a new life for their young family. Gwen was a Floridian at heart enjoying life as a homemaker, raising her girls, painting, caring for her parents serving at church and taking in hundreds of beautiful sunsets on the Intracoastal Waterway where they lived for many years. The last 5 years of her life were lived happily in Opelika, Alabama near Karen’s family. She traded palm trees and sunsets for the joy of kids, grandkids and great grands surrounding her.
Gwen enjoyed traveling to many destinations around the world with her husband Dave. They loved cruises and traveling in their Airstream camper included a momentous trip up the 1,570 mile Alcan Highway in Alaska. She delighted in visiting her daughters and their families as they were raised in Miami. Gwen was the best hostess to her large family when they would make the short trip up to Clearwater to visit.
Gwen enjoyed cooking, flowers, birds and was a lover of many types of music especially smooth jazz. Our gracious momma will always be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her kindness, her sweet smile and love of the Lord. Gwen was a member of First Baptist Church Opelika. Her greatest love was for her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Karen Frick (Paul Sr.) and Linda Birch (Chip). She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Paul Jr. Frick (Marleen), Karisa Toland (Daniel), Deborah Rubio (Frank), Daniel Birch (Debra), Dawn Bartimmo (Adam), Elizabeth Hathaway (Matt), Amy Klingbeil (Mark) and Meg Wallace (Cody); 26 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. (Lovingly known as “Mom”, “Grandma”, “GG” and “Triple G”.) She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Gert Schimpff and her husband, David Waddell.
Gwen and her family are so grateful for her loving and faithful caregivers both in home and at Bethany House. Gwen, Paul and Karen have been so thankful for all the sacrificial care given by her grandson Paul Jr. and wife Marleen during the past two years, along with Karisa and grandchildren ready to assist.
Visitation for Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM EDT in Lakewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 3800 US-431, Phenix City, Alabama 36868, followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 4:30 PM with Pastor Cade Farris officiating. A Private Entombment will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be sent to Samaritan’s Purse or First Baptist Church Opelika in honor of Gwen Waddell.
