HAWKE, Lila Gweneth Mary (nee Kaye)
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother. Gweneth was born April 10, 1930 in Bracebridge and passed away March 22, 2023 in Midland in her 93rd year. She was the daughter of the late Percy Kaye and Gertrude (nee Yeoman); youngest sister to Audrey (Charles McNabb) and Alma (both predeceased). Her husband of 67 years, John William Hawke predeceased her in 2020. Mother to three children: David (Juliana), Daniel, and Marlene (Todd Lalonde). Adored grandmother to Jennifer (Jamie Fox), Erin (Anthony Cirino), Karlin (Shawn Cote), Shannon and Ryan. Great-grandmother to James, Toby, Avery and Wesley.
Gwen grew up on farms near Bracebridge (her teen years were spent with her Uncle Ernie and Aunt Maise Goltz, being closer to the Bracebridge High School) and she and her beloved cousin Jean were well- known for their horse-riding abilities winning many ribbons at equestrian shows.
When Gwen came to Orillia to study at the Riddell's Business College, she brought her horse with her, boarding at the Diamond C stables (near where Park Street Collegiate Institute stood for many years). She worked in Orillia as a secretary for several businesses before becoming a library technician, first with the Orillia Public Library and then for many years with Georgian College.
Gwen loved music and was at her happiest when dancing with John. She was also a natural athlete playing high school sports, baseball, racquetball and greatly enjoyed cross country skiing and swimming. She was also very interested in bird watching and loved to walk the trails of the nearby Bass Lake Swamp and Grants Woods. Gwen was an avid bridge player and belonged to several contract bridge clubs in Orillia.
As an active member of St. Paul's, Westmount and St. Mark’s United Churches, Gwen was a Sunday School teacher and secretary to many committees within the churches. Gwen also belonged to Orillia Canadian Club, Couples Club and the Orillia Naturalists' Club, and was a supporter of the Couchiching Conservancy Land Trust. She also treasured her years living within the Rugby community.
Special thank you to all the staff at the Birchmere Retirement Home and the Villa Long-term Care facility, your patience and care were most appreciated.
Cremation has occurred. Interment will be in St. James-St. Andrews Cemetery, Orillia. Condolences may be sent to [email protected]. A celebration of Lives Well Lived will be held for John and Gwen later this year; an announcement will be made when date and location are set. Arrangements entrusted to the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St., N., Orillia.