Gwendolyn H. Hobbs

Glad to be of Welsh heritage, it seemed fitting that her birthday was on March 1st, St. David's Day, the day for the patron saint of Wales. Mrs. Hobbs was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Hazel (Austin) and Frederick Godfrey Heller. She was the wife of Malcolm Hobbs, editor emeritus of The Cape Codder, and also of noted Orleans artist Vernon Smith, and of Alfred Barry, all of whom predeceased her.

Gwen spent her growing-up years in Bayside, NY, graduating from Manhasset (NY) High School in 1937, where she was presented the coveted “Silver M”, for all-around student leadership. She continued her studies at Stoneleigh College in Rye Beach, New Hampshire.

Summering in East Orleans at her family’s home in the 1930’s led to permanent residency here a decade later. Very much part of the fabric of mid-century Orleans, she variously sold property through Nauset Real Estate, coached Orleans High School girls’ championship basketball, ran a children’s summer Beach School, acted in semi-professional plays and promoted the work of local artists, notably Vernon Smith’s.

Subsequently, she joined the advertising staff of The Cape Codder. In time, she helped to create the paper’s “Focus” feature, which brought into view the fascinating stories of residents and summer visitors, leaving a wonderful photographic legacy.

Stylish and inventive in all things, this was a woman with flair. With her interest in the culinary arts —she set a fine table—and fashion, landscape and interior design she decorated our lives. Even so, was she also the outdoors-woman; most of her life was spent near the water where sailing, fishing, collecting jingle shells, and enjoying bonfires on the beach all gave great pleasure and sense of place.

Travel also figured significantly in Gwen’s life. Fortunate to be a daughter of the vice-president of Bermuda Hotels Associated, she made many a trip to Bermuda and Britain. In later life, she and Malcolm Hobbs were privileged to join 19 other New England editors on a special People-to-People invitational tour in the fall of 1964, marking the first press trip to the Soviet Union after Stalin’s death. But Rendezvous Bay on Anguilla was the travel destination she most savored. There, even in deepest winter, it could still be summer.

Mrs. Hobbs leaves her daughter, Lynn Barry Vardakis and son-in-law Demetrios of Brooklyn, NY and Orleans; stepsons Christopher Hobbs of Jamaica Plain and Steven Hobbs of Orleans; several grandchildren and nieces. Her sister, Patricia Lafford of Pembroke, NH, and son-in-law Earl Bahler of New York City and South Orleans survive. Her daughter, Jane Barry Bahler, and a sister, Jeanne Huffman, died in 2007.

Locally, gifts in her memory may be made to the Orleans Convalescent Home Education Fund (60 Daley Terrace, Orleans, 02653) supporting those employees wishing to further their skills, or to the Friends of Pleasant Bay (P.O. Box 1243, Harwich, 02645), honoring Gwen's love of Arey's Pond and the waters of Pleasant Bay.

Friends and acquaintances will gather on October 8th at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Orleans, for a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. to remember Gwen. For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com