HARPER, Gay - It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of Gwendolyn (Gay) Harper, who, after a lengthy battle with heart failure, passed away on May 18, 2023, at the age of 87.
Gay is survived by her daughter, Lynne (Garth); her son, Geoffrey (Lorie); four granddaughters, Ellie, Madelyn, Katie and Maggie; a brother, James A. Waterfield (Patti); and a cousin, Lynne Taddei.
A native of Philadelphia, PA, Gay graduated from Germantown Friends School and the Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University.
Her career included work as a newspaper reporter, public relations executive, and as a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) fundraiser.
Gay was an active volunteer.
She was a 25-year member of the Canadian Opera Junior Women's Committee and the Canadian Opera Women's Committee. Her interest in equestrian activities included serving on the boards of the Eglinton Equestrian Club, The Community Association for Riding for the Disabled (CARD), the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (OnTRA) and the Canadian Equestrian Federation.
After retiring, she became a member of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association, where she also served on the board, and while living in Collingwood, volunteered at the Collingwood Community and Marine Hospital.
Gay always had a smile on her face and was a good friend to many. She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Charity of Your Choice.