It is, with great sadness, I announce the passing of the Reverend Gwendolyn May Roberts, 84, of Bedford, Nova Scotia. Gwen passed away on April 2, 2026, with her husband George at her side, at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital, Halifax.

Born in Rose Bridge Quebec she was the daughter of Maynard Hubert Bourgaize and Bernice Emma (Simpson) Bourgaize of Gaspe Quebec.

Gwen is survived by her husband, George of 46 years; daughter, Tracey Falcone (Carmine); sister, Tina Sinnett (Mark); grandchildren, Joseph (Joey), Alyshia (Michal), Mathew, Michael; great grandson, Kazimir, and many nieces and nephews spread far and wide.

Gwen was predeceased by her father, Maynard Hubert Bourgaize; mother, Bernice Emma (Simpson) Bourgaize; brothers, Grant, Reid, Kevin; and sister, Maureen.

Gwen was born in Rose Bridge Quebec and was raised there until her late teenage years. She moved to Toronto and worked for Simpsons and The Bay as a Sales Manager. On a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Gwen felt God’s call to ministry. She attended Ontario Bible College (Tyndale), and completed a Bachelor of Religious Education, majoring in Pastoral Care. She then moved to Halifax with George, who was given the opportunity to work in Halifax. Gwen continued her studies by completing 2 basic and 2 advanced Clinical Pastoral Education units. Her church home was first Iona Presbyterian Presbyterian Church, Dartmouth, and then Calvin Presbyterin Church, Halifax. Gwen worked as the Hospital Visitor for the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Synod of the Atlantic Provinces, while studying part time at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. She graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree in May 2003, then attended The Presbyterian College, in Montreal, , completing her Diploma in Ministry in Spring of 2004 and her General Assembly requirements in October. Gwen then was called to serve a two-point charge of St. Matthew’s, Elmsdale and Hardwood Lands Presbyterian Churches, as their minister.

Gwen loved her ministry in her churches. She had a peaceful presence that would be felt by her congregation, as she preached the word of God. Her pastoral care gifts reflected how deeply she cared for people. She made the people feel at ease, cared for, and that person who would listen to, and understand what they were going through, without judgement.

Her last voluntary job was a Baby Cuddler, at the IWK Hospital. The nurses called her the “Baby Whisperer.”

Gwen was proudly an Associate Sister of Charity. She also went on Missions trips to Cuba, Taiwan, and Malawi to learn about the work the Presbyterian Church in Canada carried out there. Each trip was rewarding because she saw the great joy in those who, in some cases, had so little.

Slowly at first, her dementia developed robbing her of a normal life. As the disease progressed, she turned her life over to God. Something she had done time and time before. Gwen took the time each and every day to faithfully meditate, pray and talk to the Lord. Stacks of journals recorded those conversations with God. Sometimes Gwen would take those thoughts and place them in a sermon. As I read them, when going over her sermon, or heard them from the pulpit I was moved by them.

Even as her disease worsened, she didn’t blame God but asked him to guide her through it all. “No matter what happens Lord, I will be happy.” Gwen’s favorite hymns played softly in her room as she left us. Gwen knew where she was going and was welcoming in accepting it. Until we meet again…

I would like to thank the staff of Veterans Cedar Crest 3 West unit. I could have not asked for a better team to look after Gwen. You were part of our family.

Funeral Service to be held on June 13, 2026, 1 pm, in Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3311 Ashburn Ave, Halifax. Rev. Michael Koslowski officiating. A reception will be held in the church hall following the service.

Live streaming of the service will be available on the Calvin Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

Charitable Donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Elmsdale Pastoral Charge, in care of 143 Hwy. 214, Elmsdale, NS, B3S 1G7, or a Charity of your choice.