Today begins Year 2 without my friend, and still each day I think of you and miss you.  You're a part of me, I'm a part of you.

Gwen was my rock.  She knew more about me than I did about myself.  We shared so many wonderful times over the years, all of them bring a smile to my face.  I remember so well the laughter that echoed up to my place when she had friends visiting. When I first met Gwen and we were slowly becoming friends I found a quote which I have used often when we talked - for Gwen the three G's - Grace, Generosity and Gratitude.  We will all miss her so much - but the fact that I had her in my life at all, and for as long as I did is a miracle that will be with me the rest of my life. I think this Arabian Proverb sums Gwen up.  

"A friend is one to whom one pours out all the contents of one's heart - chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away."

She gave her friendship to those around her joyfully and wholeheartedly.  I will love and miss her always.

A wonderful lady....like a candle in the wind

A few years back, not so long ago, heaven and earth erupted into a major celebration with the news of the impending adventure into time and space. You see, someone like GWEN doesn't come along all that often. In fact, there's never been a single one like her, nor is there ever ANY possibility that another will come again. She was an Angel among us. Someone, whose eyes saw what no others will EVER see, whose ears heard what no others will EVER hear, and whose perspective and feelings will NEVER, ever be duplicated. Without GWEN, the Universe, and ALL THAT IS, would be sadly less than it is. 

Thank you, Gwen, for sharing some time and space with me.  I am forever changed . . . and I wonder, shall we meet again?

Dear Cameron and Jeff,

How sorry we are to learn of your mother's passing.  She was a wonderful spirit, a beautiful person and a dear friend.  We will always remember her merry twinkle and her easy laugh.  She had an uncanny ability to connect with people and form lasting friendships.

She was so proud of you.  The lovely party you organized for her 60th was a treat for us all.

With love,
Kathleen and George
McNally Leitch

Gwen Durand was a huge inspiration in my life during the season she was my Life Coach. Gwen was always in tune with others emotions. She inspired me to write. You will be missed dear friend. ~

Dear Cameron and Jeff,
   Me deepest sympathy goes out to you on the loss of your beautiful mother, Gwen.  She was immensely proud of you both and cherished your wives and her grandaughter.
     The last few years, she was a wonderful example  to us all, as she faced her illness with courage and dignity.
     I shall never forget her delightful laugh and lovely smile.
     The Martins and Durands became neighbours in 1982. One particular memory I have, is the time I was called unexpectedly to the hospital  when I was alone at home with my baby son and no car.   I arrived at Gwen's door and asked her if I could trade a baby for a car.  She agreed.
     When Gwen turned forty, we hung a banner across the front of our house which read," Happy 40th Gwen".  She didn't notice it for two days and when she did, she came running over laughing and we had a good hug.  
     Our last visit, was last December when we had Christmas cake, chocolates and wine in her room, wearing party hats and giggling.
     Gwen was truly a beautiful person with a wonderful spirit and Joie de Vivre.  Those of us that knew her have been greatly priviledged and will miss her deeply.
      I am so sorry that I cannot attend her celebration of life on Friday. I will never , never forget her.
Pat Martin

I will miss Gwen so very very much. Her smile would light up the room and she was the definition of strength throughout her illness. Our love and prayers to you all.

A lovely lady that will be missed by all of those she touched in her life.

Dear Cam and Jeff
Your Mom was such an amazing person and I am so sorry to hear of her much too early passing.  My happy memories of your Mom are too many to mention, you were very fortunate to have such a loving, generous, kind person for a Mother. I am sorry I am out of town and will be unable to make the Celebration of her life, but will have all of you in my thoughts.
Love Wendy

Dear Cameron and Jeff:

It was with sadness that I heard of your Mom's passing. I regret I can not be there on Friday as I am out of the country.

I had many good times with your Mom, but what I remember the most about Gwen is the love she had for you both; I hope you will always remember how much she loved you and cherished you.

May you all find peace in the days ahead,

With love to you and Gwen,
Dean 
(Dean (Wilkins) Ross

OBITUARY

Gwen Durand

January 15, 1947 – May 16, 2011

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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