It is with sad hearts that we announce the very sudden passing of our loving Mother on June 5, in her 90th year.
She was a strong, intelligent, loving, resilient woman who lived life with zest and personality.
She was born in Leamington to Irene (Robertson) and Duncan Brown but tragedy struck very early in her life when her father was killed in an accident.
Irene married John “Jack” Phair, in 1934, and together they raised Mom and her three siblings in Blenheim.
It was in Blenheim where she met and married Roy Chatterton.
They moved to Wallaceburg early in their marriage and built a life together, raised a family and became active members of the Wallaceburg community.
She was an athlete, dancer – tap and clogging into her 70’s, an avid golfer, bowler and fierce card player.
She was a very social person with a strong work ethic who enjoyed several successful jobs in retail.
She sold shoes, jewelry (Leach’s Jewelry), hardware (Canadian Tire) and wine (Liquor Store) to name a few.
She was a devoted member of the Trinity United Church, singing in the choir for several years.
She is predeceased by her husband Roy of 53 years, her brothers and sister-in-laws Jack (Evelyn) Brown, Paddy (Marilyn) Phair, Jean (Alve) Marlatt, daughter-in-law Marilyn Chatterton, and her significant other of several years, Bob Nightingale.
She is survived by sons Lee (Janet) Chatterton and Allan (Chris) Chatterton of Wallaceburg, daughter Cathy (John) Smith of Calgary and her sister Win (Ted) Andrews of Guelph.
Grama Gwen will be forever remembered by her eight grandchildren David (Kata) Chatterton, Amy (Candice) Chatterton, Brent (Tanya) Chatterton, Erin (Jeff) VanHaren, Brady (Kaitlyn) Chatterton, Kaitlyn (Shayne) Chatterton, Shaun (Melissa) Smith, Daniel Smith and seven great grandchildren Madelaine, Violet, Lily, Scarlett, Ivy, Sawyer and Brinley.
She will be missed by her devoted and loving friend Frank Bourdeau of 10 years and many friends at the Oaks Inn Retirement Village where she lived.
Family was important to Gwen and she was most at peace when surrounded by her extended family.
We are very grateful for the staff of the Oaks, the V.O.N. and Doctor Dudley for the gentle loving care that they provided her.
We will miss her dearly but she lives on in our hearts and will leave a lasting legacy.
The late Gwen Chatterton rested at the Eric. F. Nicholls Funeral Home, 639 Elgin Street, in Wallaceburg.
Following her wishes, cremation will take place.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Trinity United Church, Wallaceburg or Habitat for Humanity may be left at the funeral home.
