Obituary of Gwyneth Jane Boddy

March 22, 1965 – Toronto, Ontario

May 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Gwyneth Jane Boddy (nee Parkes), a beloved individual whose light touched the lives of many, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 59 years, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. While her departure brings immeasurable sorrow, we choose to remember Gwyn for the extraordinary person she was - a cherished mother, adventurer, friend, and unselfish lover of all animals.

She was a pillar of strength and support for her family, embodying the essence of a loving mother. Her child Daniel is the center of her universe, and she showered him with boundless love and encouragement. Gwyn's presence in his life will forever be treasured, as she leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration that will guide him in his future endeavours.

Gwyn’s parents, Bea Parkes (nee Morgan) and Jim Parkes, emigrated from the UK to Toronto in 1953. Both sides of her parents’ families are expansive in England and beyond and very dear to her heart.  She is survived by her mother Beatrice May Angelique Parkes (nee Morgan) and predeceased by her father James Albert Parkes, Kleinburg. Gwyn is also survived by her two sisters, Kathryn Russell (Sean) of Toronto and Lorinda Bourn (Kent) of Hurst, Texas.

Born on March 22, 1965, she attended Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School and St Joe’s Secondary School in Etobicoke, ON. Gwyn possessed warmth and compassion and an innate sense of adventure that drew people to her. One of Gwyn's greatest joys in life was being a beloved Auntie to Julie Russell (Adam) and Timothy Russell (Miranda), Matthew, and Mason Bourn.  She cherished every moment spent with them, spoiling them with love, laughter, and wisdom.

Beyond her family roles, Gwyn had many accomplishments, including an extensive career of more than 33 years with Canada Border Services, formerly Canada Customs.  She was involved as an Instructor with the Humber College Motorcycle School and Coordinator with the Canadian Ski Patrol both in Ontario and Alberta. Adept with tools and an analytical mind, Gwyn was always fixing and improving the world around her.

Gwyn's compassionate nature extended beyond her family. She touched the lives of friends and acquaintances alike, always ready with a listening ear, warm smile, cheery comment, and a helping hand. Her kindness and generosity left an indelible impression on everyone she encountered, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Gwyn will forever be remembered as a beacon of love, strength, and compassion. Her legacy lives on through her family, and all those whose lives she enriched. While we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the profound impact she had on the world around her.

In honoring Gwyn's memory, let us strive to embody the qualities she exemplified — a loving heart, a spirit of kindness, and deep devotion to those she loved. May her soul find eternal peace, knowing that she is deeply loved and that her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

We are grateful that her wish to be an organ donor could be honoured. We would like to thank the team at Foothills Medical Center, Neurology Unit, as well as the staff at Vernon Fanning Rehabilitation Center, Care West.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a drop-in reception at Ranchlands Community Association (7713 Ranchview Dr NW, Calgary, AB) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Boddy’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, 11 6115-4th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2H9 Tel: 403-258-0819, https://bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/ways-to-give/donate/

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gwyn’s family here.

In living memory of Gwyn Boddy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Gwyn's Funeral Service