Gwendolyn McLean

Gwen McLean, an irrepressible presence in our lives for so many years, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023.  Gwen lived an active, energetic life that began in Kisbey, SK on October 6, 1930.  She spent her early years in Holdfast, SK and Regina. SK. By her own telling, Gwen was a true character in her youth someone who was always up for an adventure. As a family, we relished in Gwen’s favourite stories, including the time she helped herself to a neighbour’s sauerkraut barrel, the oft-recited incident when she moseyed into the town store and asked owner Nick if he had any “monies”, not realizing that her disapproving father was standing nearby, or that moment when she climbed a tree in a panic hearing a motorcycle backfire. As a child, Gwen didn’t let the moss grow under her feet. She didn’t slow down much as she entered adulthood either. Gwen graduated with a nursing diploma from the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1954. She started her career there in general duty, became a head nurse, and taught nursing all in Winnipeg. She loved working for the VON in Winnipeg and Regina. Gwen eventually graduated with a BN from the University of Manitoba in 1968. With her experience in hospital and community nursing, she then ventured abroad attending the School of Tropical Diseases and midwifery education in London, UK. It wasn’t much longer before she became a school nurse in Kenya and did volunteer palliative care nursing in Europe, Asia, and North America.

 Gwen’s faith was a central pillar in her life. For decades, she was involved in Moral Rearmament, later called Initiatives of Change (I of C) actively championing her belief in a multifaith world. She spent many happy moments in I of C centres in Switzerland and India and had an international I of C network. Gwen maintained many international life-long friendships, always dedicated with her correspondence and her trusty birthday calendar, and always thoughtful and genuine in her interactions.

 Gwen was someone who never lost the sense of wonder we feel during our childhood when we experience simple things. She will be remembered for her laugh, which was loud and joyful and sometimes accompanied by a distinctive hoot; her deep and abiding appreciation of a good animal story – in particular, cows; traveling to her beloved India for one last time at age 85; and especially for being a caring, dedicated and loving aunt to three generations of nieces and nephews.

 Gwen was predeceased by her beloved “Momma”, Lillian McLean, her father, Dr Charles McLean, sister “Jeannie” Parker, and brother in law, Doug Parker.

Gwen is survived by her nieces Christine and Anne, nephews Bill (Judy), Thom (Bev), James (Jocelyn) and Grant (Lori) and many great and great great nieces and nephews.

The family is profoundly grateful for the care and assistance provided by the wonderful staff at Harbour Landing Village, 4A Pasqua Hospital and the Regina Wascan Grace Hospice.

Donations in Gwen’s memory can be made to the Regina Humane Society, Initiatives of Change or a charity of your choice. An informal memorial gathering in remembrance of Gwen will be held by her family this summer.