MEDOWIE is still mourning the loss of respected and loved community member Gwen Downey, who was killed in a horrific car accident at Mayfield at the end of last month.
Gwen was born in Karuah and spent her childhood there, attending Karuah Public School and Raymond Terrace High School.
She moved to Medowie in her adults years, where she and husband Phill raised four children, Ellen, Jennifer, Robert and John.
Gwen was the much-loved grandmother to three boys, whom she adored, and she was delighted to share with locals that a granddaughter would soon be joining the family, due later this month.
Gwen had a strong and dedicated Christian faith, and made it her life ambition to help others.
She worked tirelessly within our community, in countless roles and volunteer positions, with one single goal: to do all that she could for others around her.
Gwen volunteered as a scripture teacher at Medowie and Wirreanda Public Schools, and many will remember her kindness and warmth.
Gwen was treasurer of the Mothers’ Union for many years; she collected and distributed food hampers at Christmas, and assisted with the soccer club and a number of churches.
Medowie residents will of course also remember Gwen fondly as the ‘fruit and veggie’ lady at Medowie Coles, always smiling, ready to listen or search for something for you that wasn’t on the shelf.
She was the type of person who asked how you were doing, and she was genuinely interested in the answer.
Gwen was passionate about our community, and so many of her efforts for those around her were done quietly, without request for thanks, or the need to be recognised.
Those who spoke to News Of The Area about Gwen, whether it was regarding a friendship in Medowie spanning 30 years, or brief moments in Coles over the fruit and vegetable stands, reported that she was made of pure kindness.
Gwen, you will be missed so very much, but we give thanks that we had you as one of our own.
By Rachael VAUGHAN