Gwendolyn (Gwen) Cairns, 82, of Ottawa, Ontario, left us peacefully on Friday, April 10th, at Saint Vincent Hospital in Ottawa, with Ian at her side.

Gwen will be deeply missed by her husband, Ian; her children, Kim and Greg (Alanna); her sisters and brother, Judy, Cheryl (Paul), and Bill (Lynn); and her grandchildren, Emily, Hailey, and Jacob. She was predeceased by her sister, Linda Ogilvie (Jim).

Gwen (Chickadee, Nana, Gwenny, DG) was born on January 20, 1944, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, to Clair Robert Matthews and Vera Ellen Matthews (Mills). She attended Lachute High School, where she met Ian. They were married on August 14, 1965, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2025. She held a variety of roles in cosmetics and perfumeries.

Gwen was so many things—kind, loving, generous, and compassionate. She had a joy for life that was infectious. She was naturally funny and her comedic timing, and one-liners made for laughter at every gathering.

Gwen had a lot of talents. She was an athlete from a young age—basketball, golf, bowling, curling—and pitched fastball into her mid-forties. She sang in multiple choirs and could sew just about anything (including her own wedding dress), plus plenty of outfits and jean repairs for family over the years. She was a knitter, a quilter, and later in life took up acrylic painting.

She loved to dance, tend to her flowers, watch the birds in the backyard, and play endless games of Scrabble. She curated many outfits for the travel adventures she and Ian went on together.

Gwen lived with Lewy body dementia for five + years, and through it all she remained kind, funny, and loving even on difficult days.

A special thank you to our wonderful neighbors (and dogs) for the visits, check-ins, and help whenever we needed it. We also want to thank the amazing staff on the 5th floor of Saint Vincent’s palliative care unit, and Gwen’s medical team over the years. You made a huge difference in Gwen’s journey—and in ours.

A private celebration of life will be held with family. We thank everyone for the condolences received through social platforms, emails, and phone calls. Your love for Gwen and your support for the family are deeply felt.

“Memories never fade where laughter was shared.” — Audrey Hogan