"Returned to this page to see the beautiful picture of Aunty Gwen on her mother Helen Mathews Birthday. Today 11 May. Memories remain with me of my Grandmother Helen and Aunty Gwen and good times shared in India with cousins Eric and Brian when they visited. Sending my warm wishes from Calgary in Canada and thanking God for the family gone before us. We have an amazing heritage to pass down to our children and grandchildren. Find memories will always remain. Jenny"
In loving memory of
Gwendoline H. Sieck
November 2, 2012
Gwendoline H. "Gwen" Sieck passed away peacefully with her family and pastor sharing Bible verses on Friday morning November 2, 2012.
She was born in Madras, India on September 25, 1929. Her parents were Frederick Mathews and Helen Pearl Mathews, M.D.
She grew up in British colonial India and earned one of the few seats for Indians in the English schools Doveton-Corrie and Queen Mary's College. Her English was so good that as a child she was an actor on BBC India radio dramas. In 1950, she was the first woman to win the Rotary International Scholarship for Asia. She was granted full tuition to any school in the world that she would choose. She chose Iowa State University for its programs of getting food grown in the fields, processed and to the table. It was her plan to take that knowledge back to India for food distribution programs. From 1954 - 1958, she worked in the Indian government in that capacity.
She returned to Iowa State in 1958 to begin work on her graduate degrees. There she met an Iowa farm boy, Lawrence Sieck, who had flown the Hump for the Army Air Corps in China, Burma and India during World War II. His knowledge of India and her ability to help with his statistics homework led to a romance. They were married on May 29, 1960.
Lifelong eye problems prevented her from finishing her graduate studies. The family moved to Rolla, Missouri in 1965 where her husband took a professorship at the University of Missouri-Rolla. She raised her two sons, Eric and Brian, in Rolla. She was widowed in 1985 and then became a New York Life agent. She lived in Rolla until 2006, when she moved to Quincy. Her family has been Christian since the Apostle Thomas evangelized India. She accepted Jesus Christ as a teenager and faithfully served Him as a believer, volunteer, wife and mother. Her life led her across continents and cultures and she has now made the final transition to her Father's House. She will be missed.
She is survived by a son, Dr. Eric Sieck and his wife Debbie of Quincy, and grandchildren Lauren Sieck of Olathe, KS, Megan Sieck of Quincy, Erin Sieck of Kansas City, MO, Alan Sieck of West Lafayette, IN and Jacquelyn Sieck of Quincy; and a son, Dr. Brian Sieck and his wife Dr. Sandy Sieck of La Crosse, WI, and grandchildren, Derek Sieck of Iowa City, IA, Kyle Sieck of Iowa City, IA, and Daniel Sieck of La Crosse, WI.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Sieck of Rolla, MO, her parents, Frederick and Helen Mathews of Madras, India, and her brother, Ronald Mathews of Madras, India.
Services: 6:00 pm Monday (November 5, 2012) at Vermont Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Scott Grulke officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Monday (November 5, 2012) at Vermont Street United Methodist Church.
Memorials: Rotary International
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"We send our deepest sympathies to all of you ,Eric and Brian and your families at the passing of your dear mother Gwen, my cousin ( Aunt Helen was my mother's older sister in Madras, India) We're sorry we could not meet Gwen after contacting her when we first arrived in the US. A few months ago we,were given her tel contact info, and left messages for her at the Nursing Home facility at Rolla . Now she is rejoicing and safe walking the streets of glory land ... .our love, prayers and thoughts are with you . God bless you all with His Peace"
"Brian & Eric, I just found out about your mother's passing. My heart goes out to you all and your families. I have the fondest of memories of your mother and wish you all the best as you adjust. Peace always, Katy"
"Sorry to hear of your family's (and the world's) loss...she sounds like an AMAZING woman. Our prayers are with you."
"Dr. Brian and family....my thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What a wonderful and interesting life she led! I hope good memories sustain you in the days ahead."
"I am very sorry to hear about your mom, Dr. Brian Sieck. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"My late husband, Dan Dickman, and Larry became friends because of a mutual love for aviation. As a result, Dan and I became friends with Larry and Gwen. I have many memories of our friendship and Gwen and I shared the loss of our husbands. Gwen was a comfort to me and I shall always remember those days we had together. My sincere condolence to all the family. May God bless you. Love, Maxine"
"Dr. Sieck and Family, I am very sorry for the loss of your Mother- she sounds like a truly remarkable person! What a legacy she leaves. I will keep you in my prayers. Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord?s. Sincerely, Mary"
"Brian, We are very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and with your family."
"Dr. Brian Sieck; my heartfelt sympathy.....for you and your family. Sincerely, Jean"
"Eric, So sorry to hear about your mother. I remember her cheering at our baseball games. She was a very nice lady."
"So many happy memories of Gwen and her family. We were so glad to host Gwen many years ago at our home in Toronto and see the joy with which she seized the opportunity to enjoy life. From going to Gerrard Street, to choose out saris for hours and enjoy various Indian goodies, to visiting friends of hers in Toronto. Always loved getting her Christmas letter too. The Matthews family were close friends of our family( Pereira) and I recall going over to read the Bible to Mr Matthews when his eye sight was failing. My sister Pauline and her husband Arthur lived in the same compound as the Matthews. Many, many great memories. Our sincere condolences and prayers to Gwens family, our thoughts are with you in the loss of your Mum, a vibrant lady, God Bless you all."
"You have my condolence to you and your family."
"Brian and family, Very sorry to hear about your loss. As I read the story of Gwen's life, I am touched by such a remarkable and beautiful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"It has been a long time since I saw Gwen at a Rolla, MO, Rotary Club meeting but I still remember it. She and Larry were both nice people."
"I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful lady, so full of stories and so proud of her children and grandchildren. She was always telling me what everyone was up to before she left Rolla. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I would pick up and drop off her sewing. I've missed her since she left Rolla, but I know she was glad to be close to family. Prayers of peace to all your family."
"I am thinking of you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Eric and Debbie: We are so sorry for your loss. She was truly a remarkable woman, and she has given you an amazing legacy. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time, but we know that she is at peace with the Lord now."
"Dear Sieck Family, Thinking of you...... Sincerely, Dick & Pat Wentura"
"Dear Eric and Brian and families, I am so sorry about your loss. I had been thinking about what I would write to Gwen cause there have been several changes in Rolla since I wrote last. I enjoyed doing things like Rep Theatre in St. Louis and other things through the years. Love, Anna"
"praying and sending lots of love and hugs. So sorry for your loss your mom was and still is a beautiful angel. God be with you."