Gwendolyn Rena Wember
August 20, 1934 - October 23, 2006

Mrs. Gwendolyn Rena (Richards) Wember, age 72, of Muskegon, passed away Monday evening, October 23, 2006 with her loving family by her side. She was born August 20, 1934 in Chicago, IL to the late Ellis and Rena (Freeland) Richards. Gwen taught Junior and High School band, orchestra and vocal music for almost 30 years. A member of the National Federation of Music Association, Gwen dearly cherished her privilege of serving at the local, state and national levels as the local National Music Week Chairman and Local Chapter President for three terms. Gwen helped to get the String Program reinstated at Mona Shores Schools by convincing the school board and administration to put it back into the curriculum. Gwen also helped establish Blue Lake Fine Camp - now celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Gwen was also deeply involved in the Unitarian Universalist Association, Music Educators National Conference, and the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Gwen is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard J. Wember; her children: Andrew J. Wember and his fiancee', Jan Baun, Stacey & Ralph Bouwman; her grandchildren: Nicole, Julie-Beth, Abigail, and Hannah Bouwman; beloved cousin, Joyce Oosterhart and family; as well as many other family members and friends. Memorial services for Gwen will be Sunday November 5 at 3:00 p.m. at Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1296 Montgomery Ave., with the Reverend Doctor Nana Kratchovil officiating.

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