GWEN MARIE MCLENNAN

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GWEN MARIE MCLENNAN

(BROWN)

June 2, 1956 - May 2, 2025

With broken hearts and profound sadness, we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Gwen Marie McLennan (Brown) on May 2, 2025, at the age of 68.

Gwen leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Sean and Lincoln, her beloved grandsons, Zach and Ashton, and Lincoln’s cherished dog Dexter, who brought her endless joy. She was the treasured daughter of the late Marion and Raymond Brown, and granddaughter to the late Norman and Ida Brown, and Elizabeth Jackson.

Gwen was the second eldest of seven siblings: Marilyn (Craig) Pearen, Bill (Verna), the late Robert (1958), Keith (Brenda), Darryl (Diane), and Michael (Liana). She is lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, and survived by three aunts and three uncles.

Born in Wawanesa, Manitoba, on June 2, 1956, Gwen began her education in a humble one-room schoolhouse, Lily Hill School, before continuing through Wawanesa School, then on to Elgin, Lauder, and finally graduating from Hartney Collegiate in 1973.

In 1975, she married Dave “Sam” McLennan in Brandon, Manitoba, and together they raised two sons, Sean and Lincoln, who she loved with her whole heart. Over the years, they built a life in Brandon, Airdrie, Sundre, Bearberry, and eventually found their forever home on January 1, 1994, in the community of Sidney, BC.

Gwen worked for many years at Christie Office Supplies in Brandon before becoming a familiar face in Sidney at The Candy Man. Later, she poured her heart into her own venture, Grandma’s Sweet Shop, a candy and ice cream parlour that echoed her sweetness and generosity. After closing her shop to spend more time with her grandsons, Gwen found her place - and her people - at Dairy Queen in Sidney, where she worked the drive-thru window for many years. She was more than an employee - she was a cornerstone of the community, greeting everyone with a smile and making sure every dog left with an overflowing handful of treats.

Gwen’s greatest joy was her family. She adored her grandsons, treasured her quiet mornings with Dexter on the deck, and loved cheering on Lincoln’s creative pursuits - especially his handcrafted “wish bottles,” which she found magical. Her home was filled with hand-painted Christmas crafts she made with love, each one now a priceless treasure to those lucky enough to receive them. Like her mother before her, Gwen loved doing her morning crossword puzzle with a warm cup of coffee nearby.

Gwen was a quiet light in this world - steadfast, loving, and always giving. She didn’t ask for much, but she gave everything she had to the people and moments that mattered.

Her wish bottle will remain with us: We wish you were here, and we pray you watch over us all.

A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held in Sidney at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in her name.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 10, 2025