Gwendoline Stillwell

When reflecting on the life of Gwendoline Stillwell, words such as passionate, resilient, and selfless are continuously woven throughout her tapestry of time. She has been described as a “student of life” who had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Gwen was not one to sit back and watch the world go by as she took an active role in making the world a better place through teaching future generations, remaining abreast on current events, and voicing her opinion about matters that deeply concerned her. A natural caregiver, much of her life was spent caring for the children and grandchildren she treasured above all else in addition to her dear mother during her time of greatest need. With the love of her life by her side for nearly 50 years, Gwen lived each day on purpose and in so doing, touched the hearts of many in a significant way.

The success we shared with our allies in WWI propelled us into times of great prosperity during the majority of the Roaring Twenties. Ballroom dancing was hot while Broadway reached an all-time peak and with things such as radios and automobiles becoming more affordable for the average consumer, America was setting the pace while the rest of the world watched. It was during this vibrant time that there was much to celebrate for one young family from McBain, Michigan, since they were overjoyed to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on December 8, 1922. Born on the family farm, Gwendoline Louise was welcomed into the arms of her loving parents, Harry and Gwendoline Ward, who were local farmers. When she was eight years old, Gwen moved with her family to a farm in Essex Township. It seems only natural that she was involved in the local 4-H program as a young girl.

A lifelong intellectual, Gwen attended St. Johns schools and graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School. She didn’t stop there, however, as she went on to Central Michigan where she completed their two year teaching program. From there she took night classes at Michigan State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in education.

With an admirable and longstanding career in education, Gwen started out teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. She went on to teach primarily kindergarten through third grade in Holt and Okemos, but the bulk of her career was spent teaching first grade at Wardcilff Elementary in Okemos. Gwen was well loved among children and parents alike as she was a highly requested teacher by countless parents through the years. She also served on the negotiating team for the teachers in Okemos and once ran for the State of Michigan School Board. After 25 years in education, Gwen retired in 1975.

Although teaching held a prominent place in Gwen’s heart and life, nothing was more dear to her than being a mother to her two daughters she viewed both as her greatest gift and her highest calling. She took time off from teaching to devote her time to raising her girls, Mary and Christine, earning a living by running two boarding houses in East Lansing.

After spending 10 years as a single parent, life was forever changed for Gwen when she met her soul mate – a man named Duane Stillwell. They were introduced when he was painting the house next door to Gwen, and the pair began dating in October of 1961. A whirlwind romance ensued and the couple was united in marriage on January 27, 1962, blending two children from each parent into one family. Together with her husband, Gwen developed an interest in politics and since she was a strong advocate for the protection of our Constitution, she actively participated in the Libertarian Party and the Tea Party movements. They ran for office, supported candidates, and wrote numerous letters to the editor concerning subjects they were passionate about.

In addition to caring for her daughters, Gwen cared for others in need. Although she had a strong desire to attend law school after she retired from teaching, she selflessly decided to help raise her grandchildren and provide loving care for her mother during the time when she needed it most. Gwen delighted in being a grandmother and stood behind her family through thick and thin while sacrificing her own needs at times.

Even though much of Gwen’s life focused on caring for others, she also kept busy pursuing her interests. She was a voracious reader who devoured The Wall Street Journal on a daily basis as well as just about everything else she could get her hands on, although she would have stayed away from frivolous works like romance novels as Gwen would have viewed them as a complete waste of time. She also kept busy sewing, crocheting, weaving, gardening, and cooking as she made homemade bread every week for years. Gwen lived an active lifestyle well into her eighties as she insisted on doing things with her great-granddaughter during a time when many others are slowing down. Since family was always the most important cornerstone in her life, Gwen started a family newsletter a few years back that chronicled all of the exciting happenings in the lives of her loved ones.

It was just a couple of years ago that Gwen was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband, Duane, in 2009. For the first time in 47 years she was without her soul mate, life partner, and best friend.

In everything she did, Gwendoline Stillwell was resilient, fiercely independent, and honest with a quiet strength that is to be admired. She was determined in everything she set her mind to and never tired of standing up for the conservative beliefs that were such a vital part of who she was. Gwen had a great sense of humor and never could resist a good joke as laughter was truly the best antidote for any black cloud that lingered overhead. Gwen’s unending love for those around her was a gift to so many who will miss her dearly now that she is gone. Life will never be the same without her here, but all who knew her will forever consider themselves blessed for having known such an extraordinary woman.

Gwendoline Louise Ward Dudley Stillwell died on May 13, 2011. Gwen’s family includes her daughters, Mary (David) McPhail and Christine (Curt) Dudley-Marling; five grandchildren, David Maxwell McPhail, Jacob McPhail, Dessa McPhail, Anne Dudley-Marling (James), Ian Dudley-Marling; and one great- grandchild, Avery McPhail. Graveside services will be held Monday, May 16th at 11:30a.m. at Lowe Cemetery, 5688 Lowe Rd, St Johns Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make contributions may consider either Maple Rapids United Methodist Church or Hillsdale College in Memory of Gwendoline Stillwell. Please visit www.lifestorynet.co/memories/70249 where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Home.