Farewell to caring Gwen

Gwen Wright and husband Eric were among the voluntary shoppers for many years with Bexhill Caring Community, Sackville Road. A spokesman for the charity said: “Gwen was widowed about 12 years ago, and she continued in her role as office volunteer until the retirement of former manager Jill Halsall. She did however carry on volunteering at West Bexhill Voluntary Day Centre until she herself became a member. She remained bright and cheerful in the face of adversity. Gwen had been a valued member of the Day Centre and will be very sadly missed by all those who knew her and were helped by her.”

Gwen’s son Steven said his mother certainly packed a lot into her life. He said: “If mum had been a suitcase being taken on a flight, I cannot imagine how much the excess baggage charge would have been.

“Through mum, we learnt morals, honesty, faith, consideration, love and the right and wrongs in life. She never asked too much of us; “Just simply do your best” she always said. She loved her family so much and was a proud mother and grandmother. We were so lucky to have had a mum like Gwen – so many don’t.”

Gwen and Eric became active members of Bexhill Caring Community when they retired and made lots of new friends. Eric became an ambulance driver, a mobile librarian and even Father Christmas. Steve said Gwen immensely enjoyed giving something back. “She was always baking cakes and flans for the Bexhill Hospital summer and Christmas fetes and was there to run the tombola stall. Hopefully Eric and Gwen gave kindness, support and happy memories to many people.”

Gwen had four grandaughters and one grandson - Callum, Katie, Sarah, Nicola and Olivia - and Steve said she adored them all and loved every minute she spent with them.

When widowed in 2004, Steve said Gwen continued to care for others. “Mum became a lady who was determined, fiercely independent and continued to support the Day Centre. Whether it was playing games, supporting excursions and outings, or simply just providing companionship, she was always there for those who needed it. It was only recently she made the transition from helper to the one being helped. A Care Plan was arranged for her via The Caring Community; after a short time she needed full time care. Let us remember the happiness she brought to others. She was the most unselfish person I have ever known.”