Gwendolyn Marie Lick

Gwendolyn Marie Lick passed peacefully into the arms of the angels on Sunday, January 18, 2026, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Donald Lick Sr. Gwen is survived by her four children, Melody Johnson, husband Chris Garcia; Cristie Smith, husband Harold Smith; Lisa De Los Reyes, and Donald Lick Jr, wife Carol Lick; nine grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, six nieces, and three nephews.

Gwen was a woman of deep faith and devotion to Christ and the Blessed Mother. She prayed the Rosary every day until she no longer could. Gwen really lived her faith and core values. She never passed up a homeless person without giving them money. If you questioned the individual’s motivation, physical, or mental status, she lectured you right there about judgement. Gwen believed that we are here to give generously and take care of each other; not judge or worry about how what we shared would be used.

Gwen’s creative talents were boundless. She could put together a designer outfit or a showcase-worthy home on a shoestring budget. Her hobby was making beautiful silk flower arrangements out of her garage Flower Shop. When the garage door was open, passersby and neighbors would stop to chat and admire them. She never charged for one of her arrangements. They were given with love to family, strangers, neighbors, friends, repairmen, the mailman, and anyone she thought in need of a pick-me-up.

Gwen was generous with her time and treasure throughout her life. Well into her 90s, she regularly took her silk flower arrangements to nursing homes and gave them to residents to brighten their surroundings. Starting in her twenties, Gwen worked to put on charity fund raisers and auctions for Catholic churches, schools, and charitable organizations. For 32 years, even when she lived solely on social security, she gave a monthly check to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

She loved all colors, but pink reigned in Gwen’s soul. The Pink House on the Corner opened its doors to everyone for 60 years. Gwen was everyone’s mother, and a fierce mother she was. All were welcome to visit, stay a while, or move in for a time, depending on the need. Everyone was fed physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally at the pink house on the corner.

Gwen had a child’s imagination and heart until the day she died. She invented games, climbed trees, played outside with grandkids in the mud, and convinced absolutely everyone that she could fly. Whether fairy tales or family tales, Gwen could spin a story that kept the littlest and biggest on the edge of their seats. She laughed easily and often, loved to dance and sing, and kept music a big part of daily life. Gwen loved bright colors and lots of jewelry. Every day began with full makeup, a bright-colored outfit, jewels to match, and a song in her heart. She used to say, “I’m a little bit gaudy, but you can never have too much bling.”

Above all Gwen loved and cherished her family; her children, grandchildren, great, and great-great grandchildren. Her greatest joy was spending time with those she loved. The time each spent with her was her most treasured gift.

Gwen was love personified. She believed in forgiveness and kindness and loved and forgave everyone unconditionally. Her family will strive daily to carry out her fondest wish and life’s legacy - that we demonstrate kindness and generosity and love one another without judgment or conditions.

In lieu of flowers or mementos, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

http://www.alz.org/