Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Patricia Syms Gwinner


On May 3, 2009, the community lost a loving, kind and gracious woman, Pat Gwinner.

Pat was born on November 24, 1929, in Newark, NJ to Joseph and Ester Desch. As a child, she lived and went to school in Elizabeth, NJ, after high school she worked for a short time in the Time Life building in New York City. At the age of 18 she married William J. Syms, Jr. and moved to Hollywood, Fl. Bill and Pat had five children, William Syms III, Joseph Christian Syms, Kevin Syms, Patti Syms Miller and Scott Syms. They loved the West and spent Summers in Sun Valley in the early sixty's. In 1964 they were divorced and Pat moved the family to Ketchum permanently in 1968. In the summer of 1967 she met Dr. Robert Gwinner from Ohio, who was vacationing in Sun Valley. They fell in love and were married November 1, 1969. From that time until present they shared a wonderful life in the Wood River Valley. Pat had many interests. In the summer she liked hiking with her dogs, camping in Copper Basin, horseback riding and golf. In the winter she enjoyed both downhill and cross country skiing. She was a wonderful mother, wife, homemaker, animal lover and a great cook. In her later years she took up needlepointing and made beautiful Christmas stockings for her children and grandchildren. She was a beautiful lady and touched many lives with her compassion and kindness. Over the past six years Pat remained strong through several strokes and health issues, all who knew her admired her perseverance. She was a devout Catholic, and God embraced her on May 3. Pat succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage at Eisenhower hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Desch, Jack Desch and sister Virginia Desch and also her grandson Carson Syms. She is survived by Bob Gwinner her husband of nearly 40 years, her five children and eight grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way. Pat Gwinner touched many lives, those were blessed to have known her, her memory will be lasting. She loved everyone, everyone loved her.

In Lieu of flowers please send any charitable contributions to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, ph. 208-788-4351, Wood River Hospice, 208 726-8464, Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 208-622-3432, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, may 26 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. Internment will follow at the Ketchum Cemetery. Friends are invited to the reception at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers please send any charitable contributions to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, phone (208) 788-4351, Wood River Hospice, (208) 726-8464, Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, (208) 622-3432, or the charity of your choice.




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