Gwendolyn (Gwen) Gore Senior Entwistle Shaw died peacefully on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Davis Healthcare Center in Wilmington, N.C.
She was born in Raeford, N.C. on May 13, 1930 and was a true Southern Belle. Gwen resided in Chapel Hill the majority of her adult life later relocating to Winston-Salem and Wilmington.
Gwen was a devoted mother of five children and adoring grandmother of 13 grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Annie Black McFadyen of Fayetteville and the late Arthur D. Gore of Raeford.
Gwen attended Peace College where she was president of the Sigma Phi Kappa Society, treasurer of the Student Council and a member of the Papyrus Club. She recieved her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina and was a founding member of Kappa Delta. She received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. Following graduation, Gwen began her career as a first grade teacher and was featured in the local newspaper for her creative classroom.
In 1955, Gwen married Dr. Robert Joseph Senior of Williamsville, N.Y.. They moved to Chapel Hill where they raised five children. For over 30 years in Chapel Hill, Gwen was a nationally acclaimed flower show judge, talented realtor, active member of the Church of the Holy Family, a member of The N.C. Society of New York and community volunteer. She never met a stranger and always had smile on her face. She possessed a talent and passion for decorating, entertaining and flower arrangements. She also enjoyed fashion, tennis and golf.
Everyone knew Gwen for her outgoing uplifting personality and zest for life! No matter the mood of the room, when she entered she brightened the atmosphere and added a sparkle. While at Plantation Village retirement community, it was no surprise she was part of the “Welcoming Committee.” She loved meeting new residents, offering tours and involving them in social gatherings. She made sure no grass grew under residents’ feet! She even used her matchmaking skills on some of the residents.
Predeceasing Gwen are her husbands, Dr. Robert J. Senior of Chapel Hill; William (Bill) Entwistle of Winston-Salem, and Alan Shaw, Sr. of Winston-Salem, N.C.
Surviving her are: Christopher D. Senior of Chapel Hill, N.C., and his wife Leigh Ann; Gwendolyn (Gigi) Senior Robinson of Chattanooga, and her husband, Bill and their four children: 1st Lt US Army Will Robinson and his wife Jess, Nancy, Sam and Jack; Robert J. Senior, II of Wilmington, N.C., and wife Angela and their three sons Bret, Patrick and Cole; Anne Senior Brewer of Wilmington, N.C., and her husband Jerard and their three children: Avery, Coburn, and Paxton; Sue Senior Catherine of Greensboro, N.C., and her husband Chuck and their three children: Cameron, Casey and Charlie. Also surviving are two sisters, Anne Gore Hostetler Register of Pinehurst, N.C., and three children and eight grandchildren and her husband Tom Register; Fanette Gore Ollendorff of Naples, Fla., and her three children and two grandchildren; her cousin Scott McFadyen of Fayetteville, N.C.; her sister-in-law Inez Gore of Chipley, Fla.; her stepdaughter, Tancy Entwistle of Winston Salem, N.C.; and, Alan Jr. and Beverly Shaw of Winston Salem, N.C.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., at The Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, with Reverend Pat Rabun officiating. A reception and celebration of life will follow in the fellowship hall. Gwen had a passion for life and it was full of color and happiness. It is the family’s special request that bright colors be worn in her honor at this gathering.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 12:30 p.m. in The Raeford Cemetery, Raeford, N.C. A reception will follow in Raeford Presbyterian Church, John C. Ropp Fellowship Hall, Raeford, N.C.
Donations can be made be made to The Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, or Davis Healthcare Center in Wilmington, N.C., or your favorite organization.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.