Obituary of Gwendolyn Ruth MacNaught
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Gwendolyn, on April 16, 2026, just one month shy of her 97th year—after a long life that was both active and abundant.
Gwen putted her final 18th hole to join her beloved husband, John, on the great golf course in the sky. There, she will continue to follow her cherished Toronto Blue Jays and Ottawa Senators with renewed enthusiasm.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: John (Las Vegas), Joanne (Roger Clarke) of Pembroke, Bill of Pembroke, Kevin (Felicia) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Elizabeth (Trevor McQuigge) of Perth. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Sarah, Meg, Meredith, Keith, Kara, Jacob, John Robert, Daniel, Rachel, Brooke, and Kirstyn. Gwen was blessed with eight great-grandchildren—Jade, Dylan, Malia, Ryla, Connor, Lily Jo, Evangeline, and Lachlan—and eagerly anticipated the arrival of Avery Grace.
She is survived by her dear sisters, Marion Aulbrook and Lois Bolden, and will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews around the world, with whom she remained closely connected throughout her life.
Born in Jerusalem, New Brunswick, Gwen pursued a career in nursing before embarking on a life of travel with her husband, John, during his service as a Trade Commissioner with Canadian Embassies in New Zealand, Washington, D.C., and Brussels. Their journey also included postings in Ottawa, Saskatoon, and Moncton before they retired to Perth. There, Gwen embraced a full and joyful life filled with golfing, gardening, cottaging, oil painting, quilting, antique restoration, winters in Florida, and cherished time with family and friends.
Gwen wished to extend a special mention to her golfing friends and the community at the Links O’ Tay Golf Club in Perth—her true happy place—where she competed in the ladies’ league and formed many lasting friendships.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Riverview Heights Retirement Residence in Pembroke, as well as the team at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, for their kindness, compassion, and care in her final days.
Friends are invited to gather together in attendance for a celebration of Gwen’s life at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St W, on Tuesday July 7th 2026, from 1-3PM. In memory of Gwen, memorial contributions would be appreciated to a charity of your choice.
Celebration of Gwen's life
