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