Helen Gwendolyn “Gwen” Linden, dog lover, fashionista and one very strong woman, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2013. She had recently celebrated her 82nd birthday on March 19.
Gwen took pride in the fact that she worked hard her entire life up until age 81. She was a “Boulderite,” having lived almost half her life in Boulder, Colo. She loved the mountains but water was also in her blood. She grew up on the east coast of Maryland, born in Annapolis on March 19, 1931, and she loved the water and seafood. Gwen made the best crab cakes, using only the freshest blue crab meat and her secret ingredient—Old Bay Seasoning.
An independent and stylish lady, she rocked her oversized black Liz Claiborne eyeglasses, snake bracelet and Egyptian cartouche tattoos with a style and flare all her own. Shopping was one of her passions, which she loved to do with her cherished daughter, Jennie Rae Schaefer (deceased), and her favorite “buddy” and granddaughter, Sonya Rene Johnston (35). Gwen was a bargain shopper, always on the lookout for the best deals.
Animals, especially dogs, were Gwen’s other passion in life. Her dear Cleo was her pride and joy, woman’s best friend and true companion. She loved that dog and had so much love and compassion for all animals.
Gwen had a heart of solid gold and was as tough as armor on the outside. She loved her family dearly, including her dearest mother, Gladys A. Lamb (deceased); loving father, Ivan Ross Lamb (deceased); precious daughter, Jennie Rae Schaefer (deceased); beloved sons, James Linden and Daniel Linden; loving sisters, Jackie Baquol (85), Audrey Shriver and Annette Mateer; and her sweet brother, Ivan Ross Lamb Jr. (deceased).
She was a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Gwen utterly adored her great-grandson, Tor Hamilton Johnston (7), who referred to her as his “GG.” Gwen’s biggest fan was her loving granddaughter, Sonya, who shared a special bond and closeness with Gwen that will live on inside of her and never be forgotten.
Gwen’s last months were shared with the incredible staff at Blaine Manor skilled nursing facility in Hailey, Idaho, and Hospice of the Wood River Valley; their love and care were unparalleled.
Per her wishes, Gwen will be laid to rest next to her precious and loving daughter, Jennie Rae, at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colo. Close friends and family will be contacted with more details as a memory ceremony will take place in Boulder in early June.
