Hemlock: Peacefully on August 9th, 2017, at age 71 years, after a 7 month battle with cancer. Predeceased by her parents James & Thelma Arnold, her sister Cheryl Arnold, and her brother Ted Arnold. Survived by her husband of 45 years, Michael Stephens and her sons; Jasen (Carolyn) Stephens of North Collins and Curtis (Andrea) Stephens of Livonia; grandchildren, Frederique, Scarlett, Clare, and Hannah; her sister Dawn Woodburn; many nephews, one niece, and multiple other lives she touched.
Gwen was born April 8th, 1946 to parents Jim & Thelma Arnold in Livonia. One of four children, at the age of 6 she lost her 3 year old sister, Cheryl.
Gwen was active in many school clubs, sports and cheerleading at the Livonia High School where she graduated from in 1964. She loved animals especially horses. Her father purchased her first horse and she along with her father became members of the prominent drill team “SaddleTramps” who traveled throughout the state performing shows. She showed her horses and obtained several ribbons participating in Barrel racing, dressage and horsemanship.
Gwen attended Morrisville Ag & Tech college majoring in nursing. The start of her career was at Highland Hospital, followed by Dr. Harriet Schirmer, private practice, Conesus Lake Nursing Home and private duty nursing specializing in Geriatrics.
Gwen loved to read and enjoyed crafting including making Santa’s from drift wood, decorating, making shaker boxes, collecting and refinishing antiques, gardening, woodworking and stitching. Gwen had the talent to fix most anything along with providing solutions.
Above all, Gwen’s number one priority was her unconditional love for her family and friends. Her vacations were never spent without her family, she cherished every moment spent with them creating lasting pictures in her mind.
Gwen was a member of the Eastern Star, the Livonia Methodist Church and the Hemlock Fire Department Auxiliary. Gwen loved people, touching everyone with her smile and kiss on the cheek no matter where she was. She is leaving a huge hole in this world and will be missed by all those who came in contact with her.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff for the exceptional care given by the Palliative/hospice team 4-1200, Thoracic Care Unit 7-1200, ICU 8-3600 and step down unit 8-1400. She was truly blessed by all of you!
God speed Gwen you are now at peace.
Friends may call on Friday, August 18th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20a, Livonia, NY. A Service to Celebrate Gwen’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 19th, at 11am at the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 22 Summers Street, Livonia, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Gwen’s memory to the United Methodist Church of Livonia, PO Box 23, Livonia, NY 14487, the Hemlock Methodist Church, 4616 Main Street, Hemlock, NY 14466, or the Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Dawn and family, so sorry for the loss of your sister. I hope all the memories and support of friends and family will get you through this tough time. See you at church.
I just learned of Gwen’s death. I was a classmate in school from Kindergarten trough high school. The photo on this website reflects the smile I remember. She was such a fine gal. My prayers go to her family and for the final repose of her soul.
I met Gwen when I was her nurse while she had a brief admission to our ICU in January. It was a great pleasure to meet this lovely soul. Through our interactions, and watching her interact with those around her, I learned that Gwen was a woman of grace who loved all unconditionally. The way she spoke of her husband, sons and grandchildren (she even showed me photos of the little ones!), I knew she had an open, loving and generous heart. How she also spoke about her mother deeply touched my heart. Anytime she spoke about anyone in her family, she would follow up with “…I just love them!”. My condolences to Gwen’s family, whom I had the pleasure of meeting briefly. I am so fortunate to have met Gwen and to have learned that I, too, can love unconditionally. Thank you Gwen!
We lost an angel on earth. Gwen was such a wonderful person. So sorry to hear of your loss Dawn.
I was so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. A sweeter person would be hard to find.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Carol Ferran
Dear Dawn and family, I am so sorry to hear about Gwen. She touched so many lives, she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time . God bless.
Dear dawn and mike and other family
I am so sad to hear of Gwens passing, she was one of the sweetest people I know , always smiling and happy . My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I have so many wonderful memories of our family gatherings when we were all young and carefree. God be with you.
Margot Della Pietra and the Kennedy children
Mike and family, may God give you and your family the peace and comfort you need at this time. God bless Leigh and Vonda Pope
Dearest Dawn, we were so sorry to hear about Gwen. She was my other big sister so many years ago on Commercial Street, so many memories of those years. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and Emma sends her love as well to her other daughter.
Mike, Jasen, Curtis and families
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all; may your happy memories help you through this sad time. Gwen will surely be missed, but we feel so blessed to have known her.
Dawn we are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your sister Gwen, we know how close you sisters were.
She was one special lady.
Thinking of you.
Kevin & Rosemary
Dear Dawn, Michael and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. She was such a sweet, sweet lady. I remember her from school. Love and Light. My condolences are with you all.
Hugs,
Judy Long
Our deepest sympathy to all the family on the loss of Gwen,
May your memories serve as a comfort in the difficult days ahead.
God Bless you and bring you peace.