Gwendolyn Mary (Billings) Woermke

WOERMKE, Gwendolyn Mary Billings

Fortified by the last rites of the Church and supported by visits and prayers of family and friends, Gwen died peacefully with her son Mark by her side at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Barry’s Bay on December 5, 2016 in her 95th year. Gwen was predeceased by her beloved husband Roy in 1998 and her three younger brothers: Keith, Jack, and Terry. She was the daughter of Mark Billings and Agatha Kitts of Barry’s Bay. In addition to her son, she is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

During World War II, Gwen was one of the women hired by the CNR to replace men who had enlisted. While working as a freight clerk in the Barry’s Bay station she met Roy Woermke. They married in 1951 and moved to Lake Traverse in Algonquin Park where he was station agent. They lived there for 20 years. In 2010 Gwen achieved a life-long dream and published a book about her time in the Park called Lake Traverse Station: A Railroad Wife’s Algonquin Park Memoir.

A woman of faith, Gwen supported the parishes she attended through the Catholic Women’s League, the Rosary Society and the Sacred Heart League. In her youth she was a church organist, choir member and soloist, and for many years, when she was able, attended daily Mass. She had a great devotion to the Rosary.

Gwen was busy in her community volunteering with the Valley Manor Nursing Home Auxiliary and playing piano for the residents’ choir; serving as secretary of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was a talented pianist and performed at many St. Patrick’s Day concerts and teas and various community events. Gwen loved hockey and was an Ottawa Senators fan. In 2009 she was honorary captain of the Irish Shamrocks in the Opeongo Heritage Cup Hockey Tournament.

Gwen inherited the gift of hospitality from her hotel-keeping ancestors. In her homes in Lake Traverse or Barry’s Bay guests were always welcome for a hearty meal, a cup of tea, some fresh baking. Her visitors were also treated to her Irish wit, stories about her life, and conversation about current events and politics.

Visitation at the Heubner Funeral Home, 43 Stafford Street, Barry's Bay on Friday December 9 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass Saturday December 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, 35 Karol Wojtyla Square, Barry's Bay. In lieu of flowers, and according to Gwen’s wishes, donations to support Catholic post-secondary education can be made to Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, 18 Karol Wojtyla Square, Barry's Bay, ON, KOJ 1B0. Interment will occur in the spring beside her grandparents, parents, and husband.

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