Gwendolyn Martin, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019 at her home with family at her side. Gwen was born December 8, 1948 to Elton and Edith (Hunter) Martin in Kansas City, MO.
Gwen followed a successful educational path with a B.S. in Business from University of San Francisco, Masters in Sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and her proudest achievement her PhD in Sociology from the University of Kansas.
Through her employment with various nonprofit agencies and universities, Gwen had numerous opportunities throughout her career to aid others in continuing their education, personal development, and personal success. She founded her own business Evalytics for the final chapter of her working life.
Gwen’s insatiable thirst for knowledge and new experiences led her to become a Master Gardener, learn quilting, sewing, and many hand crafts. Her volunteer activities included work with the Tree Alliance, Lead to Read KC and Master Gardeners of Greater KC.
True to her love of all things in nature, Gwen enjoyed bird watching, gardening, and trying every non-lethal method to stop the deer from destroying her prized plants. She loved all animals, especially, her many rescue dogs and cats through the years.
Gwen was a remarkable person that lived life on her terms. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter and friend and she will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Gwen is survived by a son Stephen Bridges, a daughter Lauretta Richtermeyer, both of Kansas City, MO, a grandson Aiden Bridges of Blue Springs, MO, two sisters Janet Kent of Overland Park, KS, Lauretta Edwards (Rick) of Kansas City, MO, numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and many special friends including Jerry Hardin.
Gwen was preceded in death by both parents and one brother Elton Martin.
A Memorial Service celebrating Gwen’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2019 at Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Memories and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
I am so sorry for your loss, I will keep the family in my prayers
On behalf of Ceva Biomune and the Maintenance Department we would like to send our deepest condolences to Stephen and his family. If there is anything we can do please let us know. As always, we have your back.
Gwen was a wonderful volunteer with Lead to Read KC. She was a dedicated Reading Mentor each week in the classroom, and she did valuable pro bono program evaluation work for our organization. We missed her in the classroom this year, but we will always remember her bright smile and commitment to helping improve literacy in the urban core.
On behalf of the entire Lead to Read KC team, we send our prayers.
Pauly Hart, executive director, Lead to Read KC
We are heartbroken. Gwen will always be a part of our fondest memories. Our deepest condolences to Lauretta, Stephen, and her entire family.
I am so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. She and I were high school friends. She was a wonderful friend and highly regarded by all who knew her.
Lauretta and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and a great sister. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. God Bless you all.
I valued Gwen as a working partner and as a friend. I will miss her wisdom and companionship. She was a calm presence and an amazing ideator, evaluator, assessor and team member. What a blessing to have had our paths intersect in this life journey.
After grieving the loss of her step-mother, Debbie Smith, my cousin, Stephanie Smith, is now suffering through the loss of her amazing Aunt Gwen. She always lovingly and respectively spoke very highly of her Aunt. The Wise family sends their love and prayers to all of Stephanie’s mother’s side of the family.
very sorry to hear about Gwen .she and I were classmates and friends at Westport High School I have many fond memories of the love, life and the fun we shared . my heart goes out to her family and my prayers are with you at this time of sorrow
Christina (Timmerman) Canzonere
We lost a beloved high school classmate but God found an angel. Prayers for the family.
SHE WAS TAKEN FROM US MUCH TOO EARLY. WE WERE HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS FOR ONLY A FEW YEARS, BUT HER HAPPY LOVING NATURE LEFT IT’S IMPRESSION ON ME. R.I.P., SWEET GWEN.
Sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We really enjoyed our summer cookout with Gwen and Jerry. It was a real pleasure to get a tour of her garden, that she desperately tried to keep the deer from getting. We shall miss her.
Lauretta, sending you bouquet of hugs for the death of your sister. Memories of your times with your sister will always be a treasure in your heart.
You don’t know me, but I had the pleasure of working with Gwen. I am so grateful that I had the privilege of knowing her. She was an inspiration in so many ways.
So very sorry about the loss of Gwen. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have all lost a very special person who will be missed.
Janeil Egger, Master Gardener
Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City
We are so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the whole family, and my brother Jerry Hardin. She will be missed.
I did not know Gwen nearly long enough yet for the brief time I was privileged to know her the friendship is something I will always treasure. . She joined our Tuesday night yoga group and we all loved her and have been pulling for her these past months. Deepest condolences to her family and friends who have lost someone very special.
We could not attend the funeral, but our thoughts and prays are sent to the family. I worked with Lauretta for many years and she spoke fondly about her sister and their girl time. She was very proud of her.