Gwendolyn Lea (Burkhart) Gemmell

Gwen-Lea Gemmell (née Burkhart)

July 7, 1944 – March 2, 2025

With deep sadness, the family announced that Gwen-Lea, 80, passed away on March 2, 2025, at the Ottawa Heart Institute, after one final fight for life, surrounded by her daughters and her sister. Born July 7, 1944, in Windsor, Ontario to William and Flossie Burkhart (née Williams). Gwen-Lea attended the University of Toronto, where she met her husband of 56 years, Rod Gemmell, while they were both students. Once married, they moved to northern Ontario, where their daughters Leanne and Kimberly (Kevin) were born. She was also an amazing Nana to Kristen (Sean), Hope, and Avery-Lea, where she was known for always being loving, playing games, chatting and texting, and always having time for her girls. She is also survived by her sisters, Judith (Ron), and Joan, and her brother and sisters-in-law, Tina (late Reg), Connie (late Doug), Bruce (Eira), Greg (Helen), Janice (David), and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her fur baby, Gracie.

Gwen-Lea worked for many years as a dietician at the Lady Minto Hospital until her retirement in 2000. She kept just as busy in retirement between her grandchildren and being an active church member. She had many close friendships and continued to enjoy her pastimes and hobbies, including cooking, reading, and learning something new on the computer. Her favourite line to use on her family was “Google it.”

Gwen-Lea’s funeral will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 160 6th Avenue, Cochrane, Ontario.

Memorial donations may be made to The Hospital for the Sick Children or The Canadian Cancer  Society and would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to send online condolences to her family, to share memories or photos, please visit www.irvineandirvinefuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
Irvine & Irvine funeral home.
For information:705-272-3239

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