MIDDAUGH, Gwen
We are saddened to announce the passing of Gwen Middaugh who passed away peacefully in her sleep, after a brief, courageous battle against lung cancer on March 25th, 2017, at 2:22 a.m. surrounded by family and the soothing sounds of piano music. Gwen was born on August 26th, 1934 in Toronto, Ontario and while there attended the Bedford Park Public school. She was very fond of the time spent playing with her cousins on the Hermon family farm in Meaford. Gwen moved to Englehart around 1944 where she completed her public and secondary school education. Gwen took music lessons from the Royal Conservatory of Music and shared her love for music as a teacher and mentor to countless students for over 50 years. Gwen composed and recorded music and entertained many audiences over the years. Gwen caught the eye of the love of her life while working at the Englehart Movie Theatre and thought to herself “I am going to marry that man“. On June 17th, 1953, she and Harvey were married in Gwen’s parent’s front yard on 7th Ave. Gwen was a loving wife, mother and Nana, a devoted community volunteer and a care giver to many. She was also one of the founding members of the Englehart Community Choir, which is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary in 2017. She and Harvey together were the 2008 Ambassadors for Englehart’s Centennial Celebration. Gwen was most peaceful when playing piano or spending time at the cottage on Long Lake, known to many as the best lake in northeastern Ontario. Gwen enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and participating in local theatre productions. She was an active member of the Anglican Church, the Englehart Library Board, and a 60 year member of Northern Beacon Rebekah Lodge #212. Gwen is pre-deceased by husband Harvey (March 16, 2010), brother Jack Peterman (February 1, 2016), mother Edith Peterman (March 12, 1995), father Wilson Peterman (July, 1973) and step brother Allen Peterman. Gwen is survived by her children Michael (Lynne), Wendy, Peter (Linda) and Angela (Ken); her grandchildren Cole, Michael, Adam (Danielle), Ryan (Allyson), Keraden (Brent) and Kevin; her great grandchildren Aydan, Harvey and Kinsley ; and her loving friend and companion John Emrick. We must give thanks to all the very caring staff at Englehart District Hospital and especially Dr Lacasse for her superb end-of-life care to our beloved mother. There will be visitation on Friday, March 31st 2017 at the McDonald Funeral Home from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. A Rebekah Memorial Service will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 7:00pm. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Christ Church Anglican, 70 5th Ave on Saturday, April 1st, 2017 at 11:00am with the service being conducted by Rev Sherry DeJonge. Lunch to follow at the Rebekah Hall on 4th Ave. The family requests that in memory contributions be made to • Englehart Rebekah Fund (Temiskaming Foundation) • Englehart District Hospital • Englehart Library Condolences, contributions and memorial candles may be left at www.mcdonaldfuneralhome.ca.
Write your sympathies or tribute