Gwendolyn Lavender (Tregembo) Gilbert

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Gwendolyn Lavender (Tregembo) Gilbert, 102, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away Monday afternoon, June 22, 2015.

Gwen was born on Dec. 1, 1912, in Ironwood, the daughter of Thomas Roy and Martha Jane (Williams) Tregembo. She attended Luther L. Wright High School and graduated in 1930.

On Oct. 6, 1934, Gwen was united in marriage to Arthur James "Ginger" Gilbert at the Newport Methodist Church in Ironwood.

They made their home in Wakefield and were blessed with two children.

Gwen was involved in many areas of the Wakefield United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School lessons and served as Sunday School superintendent for 35 years. Gwen was president of the United Methodist Women for 32 years, a group that kept the church visible in the community with their activities. She also served as church treasurer for many years.

During her lifetime, Gwen was very active in the community. She was a member and past president of the Wakefield Woman's Club, Wakefield School PTA, Band Patron president for three years, Girl Scout Leader 1946-1947, TB Association member, Crippled Children Easter Seals board member and volunteered countless hours for the American Cancer Society since 1956, serving as secretary for 25 years and service chairwoman since 1969. Gwen was in charge of the Cancer Closet, which distributed equipment to those in need, and was always ready to help others. She was an honoree of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce with Mrs. Sutter, and in December 1994, Gwen and her husband were honored by the chamber for their outstanding contributions of community service for more than 35 years.

Gwen is survived by a son, Rom (Jo), Keystone Heights, Fla .; a daughter, Gwen "Missy" (Steve) Lischalk, Wakefield; two granddaughters, Susie (Shawn) Coleman, Craig, Colo., and Gail Gilbert, Titusville, Fla .; six great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Tregembo, Rio Rancho, N.M., and Irene Tregembo, Sun City, Ariz .; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, A. James, on April 13, 2003; a granddaughter, Sandy Gilbert; and two brothers, Roy and Rhod Tregembo.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 29, at 10 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9 a.m., at the Wakefield United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ted Trudgeon officiating.

Committal service and interment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Pallbearers will be her family and friends.

Lunch will be served at the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 following the cemetery service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wakefield United Methodist Church, 706 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.