Gwenyth Brigid Dwyn (Nee Gwen Klassen)

GWENYTH BRIGID DWYN (NEE GWEN KLASSEN), October 15, 1961-October 7, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce Gwen’s passing at the Royal Columbian Hospital, a week after a tragic accident that took her from us too soon. Gwen grew up in Surrey, BC. She was the beloved daughter of Ronald Klassen, who pre-deceased her and whose death broke her heart, and Lorretta Theroux, who Gwen loved deeply and who she moved back to BC in 2021 to be near. 

Gwen is survived by her adoring feline companion, Gracie, her mother, Lorretta, her beloved brother Gary (Barb), her nephews Kelly (Jamie), Joel, and Charlie, and her great nieces Lily and Isla and great nephew Landon, her many aunts, uncles and cousins, her cherished godson Silas Conlin-Morse, and his brothers Milo and Angus Brown, as well as many close friends in Nova Scotia, BC and the US, including her soul-sisters Dale Gruchy, Lesley Hartman and Christy-Ann Conlin. Gwen was also pre-deceased by her mother's faithful companion of many years, Eddie Arsenault. 

Gwen studied theatre at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS. She loved theatre and acted in, produced and directed many plays. A diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis in her 30’s interfered with her dream of pursuing a professional acting career. Gwen came through surgery for the condition with flying colours and went on to obtain a Masters in Counselling at Goddard College in Vermont. She found a niche for herself working in public health with both the Nova Scotia Health Authority and later, Fraser Health. A skilled communicator, facilitator, researcher and community organizer, she had a significant impact on public policy and programming in legal substances (smoking cessation and prevention of harmful uses of alcohol and marijuana) in both provinces. 

Filled with integrity, she was committed to social justice. She gave her time and extensive skills to many causes that were close to her heart, supporting multiple community organizations including those fighting for women to be safe from violence and oppression, those assisting people who struggle to find employment, ones for people living with mental health and addictions, and youth-serving organizations. For over a decade, Gwen was a part of a group of women who passionately worked to shift the culture of violence in the lived experiences of rural women and girls in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. 

Gwen was a model of courage, never afraid to challenge injustice and invite people to be kinder, better, more thoughtful. Gwen spoke her truth articulately and with compassion. In addition to her practical contributions to the community, she shared her learning, projects and work with other communities through publications and international conferences. Many people and communities benefited, often unknowing, from her work. 

Gwen was a deeply spiritual woman who identified as both a Quaker and a witch. Whether it was working with High Schoolers at national gatherings, offering pastoral support in her local Quaker meeting, teaching ritual skills or facilitating meaningful ceremony, Gwen lived her spirituality, contributing in a multitude of ways to both the Quaker and pagan communities. 

Gwen nurtured others in multiple ways. She was the one at every meeting who jumped in and did whatever was needed to ensure things ran smoothly, that people felt welcome and were well cared for. She would make sure people were fed, and was someone who could turn beach rocks into a delicious banquet at any gathering. 

Gwen was the most generous, warm, giving and loyal daughter, sister and friend you could ever have. She would go to the ends of the earth for her loved ones, including flying across the country to provide the most spectacular physical and emotional care for them when they were in need or trouble, being a heart listener who deeply understood the things a person felt, and staying present with people in their darkest times. Gwen cherished four legged beings, and she was always amongst their favourite people, drawn to her big heart and loving disposition. 

All are welcome to attend a burial service for our beloved Gwen on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 1 pm at the Heritage Gardens Cemetery, 19082---16th Avenue, South Surrey. An open house reception after the burial service will be held from 3-5 pm at the Whalley Legion Branch 229, #102--10626 City Parkway. (Street parking is on 106 Ave. and City Parkway and underground parking is off of 135A St. behind the Legion).

In lieu of flowers, and in honour of Gwen’s spirit of generosity and care, please make a donation to the charity or community organization of your choice.