Lady Gwendolyn

 

who passed on into the Summerland

to be with her dearest Lord Simeyon

on the night of their forty-fifth wedding anniversary,

June 27, 2009.

 

Teacher and Elder to the House of Ravenwood

Preceded in death by her Husband & Soulmate, Lord Simeyon

Survived by her daughter, Lisa, cherished granddaughter, Lavender

And Illume to whom she was so much more than just a mother,

and Protector of All with more than two legs

 

Lady Gwendolyn was an extraordinary, complex, challenging woman who has been many things to many people throughout her vivid life. A young girl full of ideas and expectations. A beautiful woman who went toe to toe and step for step with the man who shared her life and soul. A mother who brought forth life and gave love. A teacher and priestess who taught not just by her words but through her experience and actions. A savior and guardian to countless animals large and small in all hours of the day and night. A true friend in laughter, tears, joy and madness. A grandmother who loved without limit and worried and hoped and felt pride. An elder, rich in knowledge and experience who shared a mirror of honesty whether it was wanted or not. Our lives are richer for having been touched by her spirit.

 

Her journey is ended and a new one begun for her and for each of us here who must go on without her. Our personal memories of the past may fade until they are vague, but Gwen’s stories will always live on. As we share our stories with each other, they take on a life of their own. What we have today in our hearts and minds is what we have to hold on to. It will grow and gain strength as we share with one another.  I call to those who knew and loved Lady Gwendolyn in so many different ways to share their remembrances that she may be carried on to her next life on the winds of our words fueled by the spirit of out hearts and the clarity of our emotions while her memory and legend stay firmly rooted here like a tree growing large and strong to provide us comfort and shelter through our days.

 

Journey on now teacher, sister, daughter, lover, friend. May you be born again with those you loved and who loved you in this life. May you know them again and love again. Do not forget us for we will never forget you!

 

 

Written in Lady Gwendolyn’s Memory

By Lord Lugh, High Priest,

House of Dragonwood, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

 

I was very sad when I heard the news that Lady Gwendolyn had passed through the veil.  We have all lost a wonderful teacher and guide along the path.  While we may miss her we all know that we will meet again.  For souls that are so touched tend to incarnate together from lifetime to lifetime.

 

Some of my fondest memories of my early years at Ravenwood are of Lady Gwendolyn.  As a young new student who didn’t offer much in the way of conversation but did observed and overhear everything going on around him, I tried to stay as out of the light much as possible.  Of course Lady Gwen saw right through me and immediately thrust me into the light at her earliest opportunity.  She loved to untie my shoes in an attempt to loosen me up.  I am not sure how much that helped but I did smile and found a friend and teacher.

 

Back on Rainbow drive times were quiet and mellow compared to previous times at Ravenwood.  After many a Sabbat there was music and merry making late into the night.  Lady Gwen was always there singing her heart out and would often tell the story of the Booger, the coffee can and the bridge.  Hilarious every time I heard the tale, which was quiet often as it was requested after almost every Sabbat.

 

Not only was she fun to be around but she was one of my early teachers in the Neophyte classes.  I believe I had a magical theory and Energy class with her.  She brought a certain air of mystery and seriousness to the classes that she taught.  While I did not have the opportunity to take her candle magick class, still, to this day I think of her whenever I am blending  a new sent or mixing some new incense, or even when I work out in my garden.

 

In fact I was working in my garden today shoveling compost and planning Dragonwood’s new ritual space.  Rather than erect a whole new fence for privacy Alec, my son, had thought to put a few large plants to obstruct the view of the circle area.  I thought that a trellis with some sort of climbing plant would be nice, maybe even a sitting spot for contemplation.  While erecting the lattice structure today it occurred to me that this area should perhaps be dedicated to those that have gone before so that we may remember them and in so doing remember the wellspring and tradition from which we all come.  For without our elders, guides, and teachers, neither Ravenwood, Dragonwood, nor any of the other daughter groups that have emerged from the source would be.  While it may be presumptuous of me to include an elder’s memorial so far away from Ravenwood I believe that it will help the next generation connect with the last.

 

While we may miss the Lady Gwendolyn in our lives her memory will always be there and know too that we will all meet again.  Oh, and something else, whenever you look down and notice that your shoe is suddenly untied in a stressful or new situation, perhaps it is the Lady Gwen reminding you to loosen up and have a little fun with life.

 

All my best my dear Lady until we meet again in this world or the next.

 

 

To Lady Gwendolyn

By Lord Peregrine, High Priest

Sage Moon Grove, Encinitas, CA

 

You were the gray-haired lady mixing stones

On the banks of what is now Lake Merlin, when we met.

You talked of balance and energy and the importance

Of Snowflake Obsidian under September Sun.

I watched and listened and found wisdom in less than four words.

I saw grace in your eyes, but also consequence.

 

You served the Goddess with conviction and compassion

By looking out for Her creatures, those little souls

Who cried so loudly for your gentle hands that knew them

When other hands ignored them.

 

You taught me many things that are not written down

Because those were your ways – the Old Ways.

I learned more about smoke than fire from you because that was your mystery.

I learned about magick and common sense because they were the same to you.

I was graced by your energy as I finally gained my footing stepping gingerly out into the Priesthood

Under the nearly Full Moon, with my Sister, your Daughter,

And felt comforted by both the seriousness and ease of your words.

 

You were nine feet tall in circle when you spoke,

And you watched out for al, even those who had passed over

And cried on behalf of the suffering of all souls,

And spoke of the need to feel the bind of sadness while

Unbinding our hold on them.

You did so with your Will, Faith, and Daring and you taught us with your Silence.

 

And yet,

You showed us that the world offered always a chance at laughter,

Because you knew that laughter always healed,

Always brought us together,

Always taught us something about the world and about our Ways,

Always brought out the best in everyone,

Always reminded us that the Goddess was with us,

And shines through us,

Like She did, through your eyes, every night of your life.