Obituary Notice
Gwendolyn F. Garwood, of 45 Cedar St., Saranac Lake, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 28,2010.
Gwen was born in Lockport, NY on April 28, 1923, the daughter of Joseph and Bessie (Allison) Sellner. Having lost both of her parents early in life, Gwen first came to Saranac Lake to live with relatives at age five, attending elementary and middle school. She would eventually finish her education back in Lockport, NY, graduating from high school in 1941. But the short time she spent in the Adirondacks was more than enough to bring her home for good.
Gwen worked at J.J. Newberry's in Saranac Lake and soon met her future husband, Kenneth Garwood, who predeceased her on November 3, 2009, shortly before he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October of 1942. The couple were married on September 20, 1946.
A devoted wife and homemaker, and always a lover of dogs, Gwen also enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, antiquing, and boating. She and her family spent as many summer days as they could together on Lower and Middle Saranac over the years. Gwen was a former member of the Ladies of the Elks Club and a lifetime supporter of the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.
Gwendolyn is survived by her six children: John Garwood of Pittsfield, MA, Linda Schalm of Florida, Kenneth Garwood Jr. and his wife Mary of Canton, Dianne Hallaway of Chester, CT, Lisa Leonidas and husband Phil of Saranac Lake, and Joel Garwood and wife Susan of Saranac Lake; 13 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Alice Munn of Saranac Lake; several nieces and nephews; and her always loving and loyal dog, Cookie.
The Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake will handle all arrangements. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Tri-Lakes Human Society or Saranac Lake Rescue Squad. There is also an online guestbook available for friends and family who may choose to share thoughts or prayers at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.