Gwen Ann DeBruyn
December 2nd, 1955 - January 2nd, 2024
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Gwen's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Gwen Ann DeBruyn -December 2, 1955 - January 2, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gwen Ann DeBruyn, 68, on January 2, 2024. She left us peacefully, surrounded by family.
Gwen was born on December 2, 1955 in Chicago, Il, the daughter of James and Mary McLain. While much of her youth was spent in Illinois, she struck out on a grand adventure at 27 with her two young daughters, Amber and Ashley. It was Gwen and her “A-Team” taking on the world. She found and fell hard for South Haven, MI and it became the base for all of the adventures yet to come.
She met her husband, Jay DeBruyn, in South Haven, became an entrepreneur (several times over) in South Haven, and immersed herself in the people and the culture of this special place. She was an advocate, a volunteer, an activist, and a mentor, building coalitions, events, businesses, and developing close personal relationships and deep friendships along the way.
While she loved being a mother, a business owner, and community builder, opening Bayberry Cottage in 2000 kicked off a deep passion that would allow her to reach new heights. The people she touched will tell you that Bayberry was a close-knit community in itself, and her design work was published in several magazines, including her favorite, Coastal Living.
A supportive and loving wife, mother and Nana, Gwen DeBuryn is survived by her husband Jay DeBruyn, daughters Amber and Ashley, “bonus kids” Jon, Jeff, Josh and Jessica, grandsons Clayton, Orion and Brody, brother Kelly, and mother Mary. She was predeceased and greeted for her next adventure by father James McLain. Gwen was a compassionate and uplifting presence, and the very best mom, “Nana” and wife we could ask for. We are both heartbroken by this great loss, and grateful for the wonderful years she gave us.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gwen's life at a funeral service on February 24, 2024 at 11am at the Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville, MI 49408. Visitation will be offered from 10am to 11am, and a reception will follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, themmrf.org, in memory of Gwen DeBruyn.
Gwen's kindness, humor, and spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She will be remembered for her impact on her family, friends and community. The family expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.starksfamilyfh.com. May Gwen rest in peace and love, and may her memory live on in the hearts of all she touched.
Those wishing to sign Gwen's Guest Book online may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gwen Ann DeBruyn, 68, on January 2, 2024. She left us peacefully, surrounded by family.
Gwen was born on December 2, 1955 in Chicago, Il, the daughter of James and Mary McLain. While much of her youth was spent in Illinois, she struck out on a grand adventure at 27 with her two young daughters, Amber and Ashley. It was Gwen and her “A-Team” taking on the world. She found and fell hard for South Haven, MI and it became the base for all of the adventures yet to come.
She met her husband, Jay DeBruyn, in South Haven, became an entrepreneur (several times over) in South Haven, and immersed herself in the people and the culture of this special place. She was an advocate, a volunteer, an activist, and a mentor, building coalitions, events, businesses, and developing close personal relationships and deep friendships along the way.
While she loved being a mother, a business owner, and community builder, opening Bayberry Cottage in 2000 kicked off a deep passion that would allow her to reach new heights. The people she touched will tell you that Bayberry was a close-knit community in itself, and her design work was published in several magazines, including her favorite, Coastal Living.
A supportive and loving wife, mother and Nana, Gwen DeBuryn is survived by her husband Jay DeBruyn, daughters Amber and Ashley, “bonus kids” Jon, Jeff, Josh and Jessica, grandsons Clayton, Orion and Brody, brother Kelly, and mother Mary. She was predeceased and greeted for her next adventure by father James McLain. Gwen was a compassionate and uplifting presence, and the very best mom, “Nana” and wife we could ask for. We are both heartbroken by this great loss, and grateful for the wonderful years she gave us.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gwen's life at a funeral service on February 24, 2024 at 11am at the Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville, MI 49408. Visitation will be offered from 10am to 11am, and a reception will follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, themmrf.org, in memory of Gwen DeBruyn.
Gwen's kindness, humor, and spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She will be remembered for her impact on her family, friends and community. The family expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.starksfamilyfh.com. May Gwen rest in peace and love, and may her memory live on in the hearts of all she touched.
Those wishing to sign Gwen's Guest Book online may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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