March 1st, 1942 - December 21st, 2021
Peacefully passed surrounded by love and her family at Mill Creek Care Centre on Tuesday December 21st, 2021 at the age of 79 years.
Beloved and cherished wife of George Rogan. Loving and caring Mum of Amanda Dinsdale (Christopher), Robson Rogan (Shari) and Russell Rogan (Mona). Very proud Nana of Sarah Bissex (Dan), Johanna, Stephanie May, Emily (Brenden), Lance, Eric and Liam. Predeceased by her parents, Lancelot Cholmondely Whittaker and Edith May Lanning. Dear sister of Betty Chalkley, Marion Clarke, Janette Finn and the late Maureen Whittaker and Raymond Whittaker. Gwen will be deeply missed by many extended family members and dear friends.
Gwen's childhood, despite being born in the middle of WW ll, was filled with laughter, music and the boisterous love of a large family. During the beginning of her career as a gold medal winning nurse running a ward at Poole General Hospital she met the newly minted registrar, Dr. George Rogan. Not long after a series of late night Chinese meals, a joyous wedding and the birth of their firstborn Amanda, they set off on a Canadian adventure. This led them, hand-in-hand, to devoting over 4 decades to the health and well-being of thousands of babies and children in both Barrie and Thunder Bay. Gwen's kindness and gentleness permeated everything she did and as her husband George so poignantly expressed about working with her, "Gwen’s smile really ran the office for over 30 years."
Their trio soon expanded into the 5 musketeers with the births of Robson and Russell. Their children competed fiercely to be "the best of the bunch" with their Mum succeeding in making each of them feel especially loved. That was one of Gwen's greatest gifts. She had the ability to make anyone who met her feel cherished and loved. Her grandchildren adored her. Nana's playful humour, preceptive thoughtfulness and open arms had all her grandchildren loving her right back with all their hearts.
Gwen was in her element when cooking, baking and pouring her heart and soul into nourishing family and friends with fabulous meals. Many meals were shared around the big farmhouse kitchen table filled with joy, laughter and great debates all the while with music soaring in the background. Gwen also enjoyed making quirky pottery pieces, sailing at HYC, caring for her Jersey cow and multiple animals on the farm, and later in life volunteering countless hours at RVH.
We are deeply grateful for the compassionate and professional staff at Mill Creek Care Centre who, in the last few weeks, helped carry Gwen with such respect, grace and kindness to the end of her journey. Our hearts are aching but knowing she lives on through the love of God, family and friends brings us peace.
The funeral service will be held at Collier United Church in Barrie on Tuesday, Jan 4th, 2022 at 12pm. Visitation begins at 11am before the service. Interment to follow at St Thomas Anglican Church in Shanty Bay.
As an expression of sympathy donations can be made to:
Due to Covid, if funeral attendance is limited, it may be viewed through the following link:
Topic: Gwendoline May Rogan (Nee. Whittaker) Funeral Service
Time: Jan 4, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81693856823?pwd=L3hSNU1HQnJ1SnNaa1hUZHpRM005QT09