Gwendolyn Ann (Brown) Umlauf's Obituary
Gwendolyn Ann Umlauf (née Brown), of Gainesville FL, entered into eternal life on May 2, 2015, at the age of 86 years.
Diminutive in stature, Gwen had a larger-than-life, faith filled, joyful, and unconditionally loving persona that endeared her to everyone who knew her – especially those blessed to call her Gwennie, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sis, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend.
“First things first,” Gwen would always prioritize. Her universe revolved first around God and then her big family. She was a dedicated wife and a fiercely devoted mother of ten children – seven boys and three girls; doting grandmother of seventeen and cherished great-grandmother of six. Gwen attended every family event possible, and faithfully remembered every birthday, anniversary, holiday, and special event with a card, handwritten in her delicately artistic script.
Affectionally called “The Little Grandma,” by her grandchildren, Gwen possessed a phenomenally warm and nurturing capacity to make you feel special whenever you were with her – as if you were the only person in her life who mattered. By her kind and thoughtful example, Gwen taught us to be considerate of others, and to persevere with grace and dignity through life’s ups and downs. She was an extraordinary listener, our family’s number one fan and cheerleader, and the ultimate, compassionate giver of hope and encouragement.
“God’s will be done,” Gwen would affirm with every family birth and passing. Our family welcomed her as Gwendolyn Ann Brown, born on August, 8, 1928, in Lincoln Park, MI. She attended St. Henry Catholic School, where she played the piano and organ for daily morning Mass. She attended Holy Redeemer High School, where she met her husband, Tom Umlauf. After attending the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts, Gwen and Tom were married on July 16,
1949, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2014. They lived in Michigan for 25 years and then moved to Florida in 1974.
“What goes around comes around,” Gwen would often discern. Indeed, being a devout and humble Roman Catholic servant of God, her generous volunteer contributions for others always came back to refuel her own spirit. Gwen was a staunch believer in the power of community action. In 1963, she helped organize the first Christian Family Movement (CFM) at St. Alphonsus Parish in Dearborn, MI, and pioneered the first Women’s Cursillo in Saginaw, MI. In 1967, she helped launch the Focus Hope initiative in Detroit, MI. In 1984, she co-founded the
Pax Christi organization and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill (AMI) for the state of Florida. For many years, Gwen was honored to serve on the women’s ministry committee for Holy Faith Parish in Gainesville.
“I am so grateful,” Gwen would exclaim when speaking about her life and family. Gwen is survived by her adoring husband and best friend, Tom; children: Tom, Jr., Cheryl (Paul), Michael (Nancy), John (Charron), Mark (Debbie), Greg, Joe, Marie, Bill (Laura), and Jane (Bob); grandchildren: Eric (Violette), Brandon (Krystal), Krista (Andy), Tim (Joni), Kennedy, Lindsey (David), Courtney, Jenna (Mark), Kristine (Bryon), Freddy, Lia, Jeremy, Joshua, Jay, Katie, Rebecca, and Aaron; great-grandchildren; Amira, Sherene, Jensen, Ezekiel, Parker, and Brecken;
sister: Janet (Joe). She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and José – Gwen’s and Tom’s “eleventh Umlauf child,” for whom they were foster parents. Gwen is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Gertrude Brown, and her brother, Jim.
“Stay tuned,” Gwen would always advise when sharing the latest family news. As the exuberant Umlauf matriarch, Gwen kept her entire family well connected and supported. She will be remembered not only for being the family’s indomitable pillar of strength, but also for her insatiable appetite for sunshine, music, playtime with children, dancing, and any food topped with real whipped cream.
“Angels be with you,” Gwen would always bless her children at bedtime. This was also the time to reflect on looking forward to tomorrow. Until then, her radiant smile would shine on long after the lights were out.
“To be continued … love you,” Gwen promised at the close of every family visit or phone conversation. The way Gwen lived her rich and beautiful life is indelibly etched in our hearts, and her legacy will live on prayerfully through all of us fortunate enough to have been blessed by her goodness. She will be dearly missed.“Love you, too, Gwen.”
The Umlauf Family sincerely thanks the health care providers of Haven Hospice, Gainesville, FL.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 8, 2015 at 9:30 AM, in Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville. Interment will follow in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 7, 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 or Holy Faith Catholic Church Building Program, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32607.
Our family is like a patchwork quilt
With kindness gently sewn.
Each piece is an original
With beauty of its own.
With threads of warmth and happiness,
It’s tightly stitched together
To last in love throughout the years.
Our family is forever.
~Jeremiah Junction, Inc. 1989
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