Submitted by: Dan Rich
Gwendolyn D. Parks
South Bend Tribune 10-12-2006
On Saturday, October 7, a beautiful, sunshiny morning, after eating breakfast, sitting in her comfortable chair waiting for the Notre Dame game to start, Gwen peacefully went to join the love of her life, her husband, Olen L. Parks, and their only daughter, Cindy Lou. She was the daughter of August B. and Irma C. Dosmann, who preceded her as did two sisters, Adelaide Canfield Woodworth and Jacqueline Horvath.
Sons, Christopher Sr. (Patti) of Napperville, IL, and Randolph (Mary) of Aurora, IL, survive. They were her pride and joy. She was pleased and very proud of the men they had become. Grandchildren, Joelle, Christopher Jr., Ryan, Karly Cindy and Dustin made her world go around, especially after moving to Illinois from Florida.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, "who even warmed the breakfast plate." Her Olen left her "too soon" in 1968 and then as a single mother she became a super car salesman. Gwen enjoyed finding antiques and could identify them easily. Born and reared in Mishawaka, a graduate of the Mishawaka High School, she was recognized for her dancing ability which was something to see and remember. A "great" piano player, she could sit down and play any piece by ear. Gwen and Olen loved everything about Notre Dame which he attended on the first tennis scholarship the University offered. Olen's role as vice president of the tennis department of Wilson's Sporting Goods, and a daily tennis player, promoted her love of the game, especially the United States Finals. Seeing them in person was a great adventure for her. Last month she watched them on television.
Surviving sisters and brothers are Barbara Goddard and Yvonne Dosmann in Mishawaka, Del Wirt (Robert), Elkhart, Jean Bennett (Thomas), Sisters Bay, WI, William Dosmann (Jean), Livonia, MI, and Thomas Dosmann Sr. (Martha), St. Peters, MO. Two godchildren, nephew, Matthew Dosmann, Iraq, and niece, Sue Canfield Krycke, New Buffalo, MI, also survive, along with many other nieces and nephews who called her Aunt Gwen.
On Saturday, October 14, 2006, in St. Monica's Church in Mishawaka, Mass is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. with Father Jeffery Largent the celebrant. Gwen always had a fondness for St. Monica's as she was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, graduated from the grade school and was married there. Thus a full circle is being completed. Gwen has come home. She will be buried by Olen and Cindy Lou in the Mishawaka City Cemetery. A bright light, to whom family was very important, has been extinguished. Rest in peace Gwen, we love and miss you.
Services provided by Bubb Funeral Home.