Obituary of Gwen Struthers

Gwendolyn (Boutilier) Struthers (1941-2019)
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn (Boutilier)
Struthers, Port Morien, November 8, 2019 at the age of 78, surrounded by her
loving family.
Gwen was born July 3, 1941 to the late Elmer and Beatty (Peach) Boutilier. After her
graduation from high school, she went to work at Eastern Light and Power. When
she met and married her husband James (Jimmie) Struthers, she left her
employment to raise a family. Later in life, she returned to work briefly at Canadian
Tire and then worked 20 years at Nova Scotia Power.
She was a loving and nurturing mother, always putting others first in her life. Also,
she was very generous in her relationships with others. She was greatly loved by
her extended family and by her friends and the loyalty toward her was wonderful to
behold. She had a wonderful sense of humour and she warmed every heart that she
touched.
In her retirement, she enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, camping and travelling.
On one occasion the family drove across Canada to visit relatives but they also
spent much time camping all over Cape Breton. Gwen loved her feline friends, FeFe
and Whiskers, and canines Nike and Layla. She and Jimmie had a love of horses and
the sport of harness racing. They spent many summers living in Inverness, Cape
Breton, racing their horses and making many dear friends in that sport. Horse
racing would become a family affair. Gwen and her family loved especially their
horse, Big Joe Plumsted.
Gwen was a faithful member all her life of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Morien,
where she gave generously of her time and talents to serving others and
strengthening the Kingdom. For many years she was a member of the Anglican
Church Women working tirelessly in fundraisers. In addition, she sang in the choir
for at least sixty years and served on the Parish Council and the Altar Guild.
Gwen is survived by husband Jimmie and a loving family: Children Mary (David),
Jamie (Trisha), Blair (Deanna), Helen (Jody). She is also survived by eight
grandchildren, Megan (Tyler), Jarrad (Amanda), Hilary (Tyler), Rebecca (Andrew)
Brett (Laura), Logan (Sariah), Bradyn and Brynlee Gwen; and three great
granddaughters, Rhian, Taylor, and Millie ; two sisters: Carolyn (Bob), Lois (David);
uncles LeRoy and Ted (Helen) Peach, Joyce (Joe deceased), Helen (Melvin deceased);
Lizzie (Weldon deceased); sister-in-law Norma (Bert), and brother-in-law, Jackie.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Michael Gallivan and his medical secretary Sonya, the CBRH
emergency personnel, hospitalists, the staff of 4A, the VON and Palliative Care, and
to Reverend Dorothy Miller for their wonderful care and compassion shown to our
mother.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be
held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Morien, at 2 P.M, Thursday, November 14,
Reverend Miller officiating. Following the service, refreshments will be served.
Donations in Gwen’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the VON or
Hospice Palliative Care.
“Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s
house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a
place for you.” (John 14, King James Version).