Gwendolyn Helen (Ames) Spence, age 95, passed away of natural causes in her home surrounded by family on September 11, 2020. Gwen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John in 2015 and son, John Jr. (Valerie Spence) in 2019. Gwen is survived by her children, Susan Healey (Ed Healey), Linda Spence, Terry Spence (Betty Van Sickle), Patrick Spence (Katy Spence) and Kevin Spence (Karla Smith), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends.
Gwen was born in Munising, Michigan on March 13, 1925, the ninth child to Sophia and Leo D. Ames. She is survived by sisters Ardis and Sally. Gwen met her future husband, John in Munising and were wed in 1945. The couple settled in Westland where they raised their 6 children. Gwen loved spending time with her family. She always thought the best of people and had a great sense of humor. After her children were grown she returned to high school and received her diploma, proudly graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1987. She was a Volunteer with the Annapolis Hospital Auxiliary for many decades, even serving a term as Guild President. She enjoyed the outdoors, bird watching and looking for the “sky writers”. Gardening was a favorite pastime and she spent many hours with Terry cultivating and canning vegetables. She was an avid reader, baker and was accomplished at needlework. Music was a big part of her life, playing the piano and singing in the church choir.
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