Obituary of Gwenda Lynne ESSEX (nee Spackman)

December 30, 1948 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
February 21, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Gwenda Essex, beloved wife of Gordon Essex, of Medicine Hat, AB, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the age of 71 years.

Gwenda was born in Winnipeg, MB, on December 30, 1948. She met Gordie Essex while living in Calgary and married him on August 19, 1972. After Michael and Michelle were born, and after Gordie was discharged from the Canadian Air Force, they settled in Medicine Hat in 1975 and together they raised their family.

After completing her Secretarial Science program, Gwenda worked as a legal stenographer, for the Medicine Hat School Board at Connaught School. She also worked as the office manager for R + W Electronics, and for Hydraco Industries. She was also a Real Estate Agent before retiring with her hubby ‘Gord’. They loved to travel to Mesa, AZ for many years, and they became ‘snowbirds’ by wintering in the Good Life RV Resort.

She was an “exceptional” drummer in the Cresent Heights Band, the Legion Pipe & Drum Band, and was a part of several local bands playing in and around Medicine Hat. She played in bars, starting before she was of legal age and would often ‘sit on stage’ during breaks in those days. She met Mary Kahl, during her time playing with the Equal Rights Band in the 1980’s and they were kindred spirits and the best of friends. In the early 2000’s, Gwenda joined the worship team at Hillcrest Evangelical Church and was active in the church community becoming a Steven Minister.

Gwenda was loved by so many people and her love, compassion, fortitude and strength will be missed by all that knew her. We miss you ‘Gretch’.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Gloria) Essex of Calgary, and Michelle Taylor of Edmonton; as well as her four grandchildren, Tyson, Jayson, Kaitlin and Ethan. Gwenda is also survived by her brothers, Raymond (Shirley) Spackman and Wayne (Celine) Spackman; and her nephews Tim, Ken, Marvin and Brian. She was predeceased by her parents Fredrick and Phyllis Spackman; and her nephew Daniel ‘Danny’ Spackman.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Hillcrest Evangelical Church, 3785 13 Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 1J2, on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

A Celebration of Life and Musical Jam will follow at Whiskey Creek, 937 13 St SW, Medicine Hat, AB, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., also on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gwenda’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friend’s so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Gwenda may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Terrirories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 4K1, Tel: (1-866)950-5465, www.alzheimer.ca/en/ab.

In living memory of Gwenda Essex, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.