Gwendolyn L. "Gwen" van Son

Gwen L. van Son, age 74, passed away at home in Ilwaco, WA on July 8, 2015. She was born July 30, 1940 in Great Falls, Montana to E.E. "Bud" and Elizabeth Lenore "Liz" Edmonson. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rod van Son; two sons Michael van Son (Lois) and John Paul van Son; two daughters Kathy Lacy (Mark) and Jessica van Son, plus numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will deeply miss her invigorating spirit and love. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her beloved brother, James Edmonson, who passed away in 2013. Together the two of them were known for many pranks and laughs. Gwen was known for her strong will which allowed her to overcome adversities which would have felled others, such as polio when she was teenager. She graduated from the College of Great Falls (MT) in 1961 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She used this degree to become a teacher and to educate children of all ages with exceptional needs . Throughout her life, she was a strong advocate for those with disabilities. Gwen was the type of person who wondered about our world and the people in it. She enjoyed traveling and visited 49 states and nearly twenty countries, including her home away from home: Dublin, Ireland which she visited multiple times. Gwen will be remembered by her family and friends for decades of educational stewardship shaping future lives, her generosity of sharing her gorgeous singing voice, and her quick wit and wry sense of humor. A funeral mass was celebrated July 11, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Seaview. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.