Celebrating Gwenny: From Jerome Hartigan (former son-in-law of Gwen and father of her grandchildren, Florence Colm and Cherri) My warm wishes and love are with my children Florence Colm and Cherri as well as Sophie, Robert and the Foster family in this time of loss. Gwenny was a big part of our life, especially while we were living in Ireland in the 80’s. And for Florence especially in the early years (Florence invented the Gwenny nick name). And all of you grandchildren, were a hugely important part of Gwen’s life. This is big, when a matriarch passes. And we’re all affected deeply as family. Myself included. The Gwenny I remember was happiest when she spent time with her grandchildren. Happy when she and Gordon spent time with us in New Zealand. Happy when she and Gordon took us out for meals in a local winery. Happy when she took posed photographs of everyone. Happy when she cooked traditional Austrian meals that her own mother, Erszi, also cooked for her with love. Red cabbage, Black Forest Gateaux, Apfel Strudel. Happy when she gave a 2 year old Flo a bouncy experience on her knee with – Hopper Hopper Reiter…. Happy when she read the grandchildren books she used to be read as a child. I’ll remember Gwenny, as the loving mother and grandmother. For Gwenny life was about family. That is what seemed to matter so much for her. And I believe she always loved us each very deeply in her own complex way. Even though in some situations she didn’t know how to show this. It was difficult for her growing up in London during the war with a “German” accent. And she seemed to fear rejection for the rest of her life. Ironically she would reject others herself, sometimes unconsciously, and sometimes consciously. For example, she disapproved of me at the outset. Fair enough – we had very different values Gwen and I. But later, she was also generous in her acknowledgement of what I contributed to our children’s upbringing. In later life, Gwen would attach strongly to the person she was living with at the time. And she would side with that person for her own self-preservation. So she would distance herself at times from some family members. This was very painful for those concerned. And in my perception this was not targeted at the person, it was Gwen’s way of coping. And now some of us have this complexity to deal with overlayed with grief. And grief alone takes time. But the healing of a complex relationship, may take longer. At the time of this remembrance celebration. My heart goes out to each of us in this powerful grieving and healing process. Right now, I feel a compassion and love for Gwenny. She will always be the mother of Sophie, and the Grandmother of my children. And you her blood family have my profound sympathy for your loss. Love and blessings Jerome