Our dear mother, Gwen Mary Alene Munroe, passed away suddenly in Medicine Hat on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at the age of 87 years. Gwen was born in Sibbald, Alberta to Walter and Mildred Fizer. Following graduating from South Central High School in Oyen, she went on to study Medical Stenography at Mount Royal College in Calgary. She was proud to have worked at the Holy Cross Hospital and then in a urology clinic until her son, Colin was born. Carrie arrived two years later. Gwen and Al moved to Moose Jaw in 1961, where Al pursued a teaching career at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute. In 1966-1967, the Munroe family moved to Accra, Ghana to help build a technical school. This was the beginning of Gwen’s great adventures, planning many trips and inviting, whoever wanted to come along. Mom continued her studies in piano and became a fantastic piano teacher. In 2000, in pursuit of condo living, Gwen and Al found their new home at Grandview Village in Medicine Hat. Gwen is survived by her daughter, Carrie (Norman) Hopkins; daughter-in-law, Peggy Munroe; grandchildren, James (Carli) Munroe, Sean Munroe (Jessica Anderson), Abbey Hopkins, Evan Hopkins; great-grandchildren, Emma Barton, Austin Barton, Ethan Munroe, Jaxon Munroe, Isla Munroe, Collins Munroe as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gwen was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Allan; son, Colin and brother, Robert Fizer. Gwen loved music and dancing. Mom and dad played for many dances, mom on piano and dad on the saxophone. In Moose Jaw, mom loved teaching piano to her young students. After moving to Medicine Hat, she was active in singing with the Harmonettes and the Veiner Centre Choir. She enjoyed the friendship of the Medicine Hat Red Hat Ladies, as well as the Shrine events she attended with Al, both in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Gwen and Al attended the United Church and mom also sang in the Minto United Church choir in Moose Jaw. Mom enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and food was always tasty and plentiful. She made the best garlic dill pickles – which family members have learned to recreat and a few have even mastered her bun recipe. Shopping was a favourite pastime for both Gwen and Al, especially on their annual winter stays in Southwestern USA. The motorhome hauled home many interesting yard ornaments for the kids, young and old. When time permitted, mom crocheted blankets to donate to those who needed one. Family was Gwen’s greatest joy, making the most of any holiday celebration with decorations and a party atmosphere. She loved and adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was so very proud of their many accomplishments. Mom especially loved babies, peeking into strollers to say a quick hello. Along with her sisters-in-law, they were always the life of family gatherings and their laughter echoed throughout the halls. Gwen had numerous friends young and old, neighbours and Shriners quickly became like family. Mom enjoyed living in Medicine Hat and appreciated how the City embraced seniors. The family wish to thank the staff and friends at Masterpiece Southland Meadows, Homecare and the many healthcare providers for taking such great care of their mom. A Celebration of Gwen’s life will take place at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on May 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Interment will follow later in the day at the Sibbald Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. The Chapel Service will be live-streamed and anyone wishing to experience the service is welcome to visit our homepage  and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time.  If friends so desire, donations in memory of Gwen’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium and Reception Facilities.

• Date : 2022-02-20
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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