Gwendoline Powell

It is with great sadness, we announce that Gwendoline Powell has passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in North Chesterfield, Virginia, on Monday, March 6, 2023. During her last days, she was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She was born on April 28, 1929 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to parents Cecil and Edith Simmen. She was the last of 3 sisters, Gladys and Beverly. She graduated from Runnymeade High School which included a year of college for secretary training. She married Robert Gordon Rolston (1930-1990) in 1950, had her first child (Pamela Jeanne) in 1955, then moved from Canada to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1959. 5 years later, they got their United States Citizenship. They had 2 more children, Gordon David in 1960 and Suzanne Elaine in 1964.

She worked as a volunteer in the elementary school library, then was an employee. She spent 14 years working for the school transportation department as a secretary. She was very involved with her church, First United Methodist Church… sang in the choir, women’s groups, various committees. She remarried after being a widow for 5 years, to Charles Powell (1934-2009) and enjoyed many trips and cruises. She loved craft projects… sewing, crocheting, card making, diamond painting. She was a wonderful, caring, loving wife and mother, as well as friends to all. She always had a smile and positive attitude.

She is survived by her 3 children, Pamela Groebner (Thomas Groebner, son-in-law), Gordon Rolston (Christie Rolston, daughter-in-law) and Suzanne Rolston… as well as numerous grand children and great-grand children.

The memorial service will take place on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7 pm at Woody Funeral Home (Huguenot Chapel). In lieu of flowers, donations to Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church would be appreciated.