Gwen lived life to the fullest and shined so bright she lit up the lives of everyone around her. It is with great sadness her family regrets to inform that Gwen passed away peacefully at Hillside Village on December 2, 2018 with her son, Thomas Koski and friends by her side, at the age of 98.
Gwen was born in Belfast, Ireland to Samuel and Sarah Scott. She came to Canada with her parents, sister, Iris and two brothers, Jack and Sam. Gwen completed her schooling in Calgary and moved to Vancouver where she worked in the British wire ropes war factory.
In 1943, Gwen met the love of her life, a young soldier, Jim Koski and they married on February 23, 1946. They moved to White Lake, onto Jim's parents homestead, a Finnish settlement. Gwen loved White Lake and "Koski Bay" was always home to her. She worked writing for the local papers for 41 years and enjoyed sharing her many stories. She was a gifted writer, published author, musician, artist, painter and lover of life!
Gwen loved her family dearly, as they did her and left to mourn her passing is her son, Tom Koski, granddaughter, Tammy Koski, grandson, Kevyn Koski, great granddaughters, Nikita Koski and Willow Koski (Kendel), great grandson, Shay Koski, great-great granddaughter Sadie, great-great grandsons, Tyson and Jackson and her best friend Patrick Ryley and all the many, many friends and family who loved her dearly.
Gwen was predeceased by her husband, Jim in 2003, her sister, Iris, brothers, Sam, Jack and Ken and her daughter in law, Frella Koski.
Gwen's vivacious spirit will forever live on in the many, many lives she touched in her nearly 99 years. She will be forever remembered and loved by all.
Gwen Koski's family will be hosting a Celebration of Life in honor of her memory at White Lake Hall between Noon and 4 pm on Sunday, May 19th, 2019. Please come enjoy an afternoon tea luncheon while reminiscing about Gwen's many accomplishments, her life's incredible journey and honor the memory of an amazing White Lake Pioneer.
Family, close friends and out of town guests are invited back to White Lake Hall later that Sunday evening, starting at 6:30 pm, for a potluck dinner and live entertainment, sharing open mic stories and songs with a dash of vintage White Lake Hall "Pig & Whistle".
Gwen's family encourages musical guests to bring your instruments and share your songs, and for all guests to share your favorite Gwen Koski's stories and memories.
Preceding Sunday's Celebration of Life, in a private closed family service, Gwen's ashes will lay to rest with "her Jim" in their shared plot at Mt. Ida Cemetery.
Gwen's family would like to extend a special thank-you to:
-Bower's Funeral Home, especially Dave Wallensteen, for all your help and support.
-Jane Darnell and the White Lake Community Hall Society -Joan O'Brien for catering the May 19th tea luncheon -Patrick Ryley for providing entertainment on May 19th.
Online condolences may be sent to Gwen's family through her obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com.
Bowers Funeral Service
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Service Details
Celebration of Life
Sunday, May 19, 2019
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
White Lake Hall, 645 Parri Rd, Columbia-Shuswap C