Obituary

Gwendolyn Jean Wright, 83, of Lake Winnebago, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away May 27^th at home surrounded by family. Gwen was treasured for her nurturing nature, kind heart and playful spirit.

She was most happy spending time with family and friends, exchanging stories, reminiscing, and telling silly jokes. Not one to sit down for long stretches, Gwen loved spending time with her grandchildren, tending to her yard, or transforming a thrifted or dollar store item into something to treasure.

After the shock of learning of her diagnosis in 2024, one way Gwen was able to process the news was to write down memories and highlights to focus on the immense gratitude she felt for the many people and experiences that filled her life.

She grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri and while she often talked about growing up poor, she had countless happy memories. She was a majorette in the drum line and the FFA Barn Warming Queen. Her mother was a gifted seamstress and ensured the children always looked presentable in clothes sewn by hand including beautiful dresses and gowns for Gwen. In remembering her Dad, she recalled how he would beam with pride whenever he talked about his children.

Gwen was fascinated with glamour and fashion, and in high school dreamed of going to beauty school. While she didn’t pursue that path, she always took pride in her appearance and sense of style—a tube of lipstick was never out of reach.

Danny Wright was a lifeguard at the pool where her and her friends would spend their summers. They hit it off and married in 1962 and she has said that her marriage is one of the things she is most proud of.

When taking stock of the greatest joys in her life, without hesitation Gwen noted her marriage and children. Her husband Danny provided unconditional love and care and gave her a life she never dreamed possible.

Their first child Stephen was born in 1967, Shawn in 1974 and Kristen in 1982. With a child arriving nearly every 8 years, there were kids at home for more than three decades, something Gwen loved every minute of.

Of her children Gwen said, “I remember holding each one of them and saying, ‘What a beautiful gift from God.’” Her kids and grandkids were a lifelong source of pride that filled her heart with joy.

Gwen has said, “If I live to be 100, I wouldn’t have the words to express my gratefulness for the love of my husband, children and grandchildren. They have shown their love in many ways with words and actions that have been a gift.”

Gwen’s younger sister Janice was a loving and helpful presence in her life, and she was thankful for the time they were able to spend together laughing and telling stories. She was also proud to be an aunt to Jan’s daughter Sarah, her “favorite niece.”

There are many cousins Gwen was honored to have in her life and she stayed in touch with them throughout her life, regardless of distance.

Her faith in God was strong, and she rarely missed Sunday church or the opportunity to study the Bible. She was grateful for the love and community she found in her church family, and they loved her right back when she needed it most.

Throughout her life Gwen had a large circle of friends, many she’s known since childhood. “I felt a special closeness to each of my friends,” she said, and described them as devoted, loving and there for her in times of joy and comfort.

Friends and family know that Gwen loved the opportunity to be silly—she always had a corny joke to share, sometimes repeatedly, and loved to laugh. She believed that having a sense of humor was essential, especially in hard times. She found joy in laughter even after learning of her diagnosis, where she didn’t shy away from making light of how much time she might have left. In fact, when asked for any words of wisdom she said, “Try not to be too serious with your thoughts and opinions.”

While Danny’s career allowed her to be at home with the kids, she eventually pursued work in early education and was very proud to have worked with young children in the HeadStart program and as a teacher’s assistant in the Lee’s Summit school district. She was beloved by teachers, parents and kids where she was a gentle, positive influence in the lives of countless students. She also obtained a certification as a Hospice volunteer later in life.

Gwen was grateful for the trips she was able to take and said that Florida, Hawaii and Santa Fe, New Mexico were favorite destinations that each held special memories. But she was also content to spend time at home in Lake Winnebago, a place Gwen and Danny had dreamed of living. She took great pride in maintaining their home and would spend hours in the yard doting on her plants and fixing up her home.

Gwen appreciated the simple pleasures in life: fresh air, sunshine and connecting with friends and family. She loved the magic and chemistry that came from connecting with people. She loved to brag on the people in her life, her eyes lighting up as she shared details of their accomplishments and travels, making whoever she was talking about feel like a star. Nurturing by nature, it wasn’t uncommon for her to help a total stranger.

Known for her resourcefulness, she had a passion for thrifting and would find discarded objects and transform them with some elbow grease and a fresh coat of paint.

When asked what she’d tell her younger self Gwen said, “To be more confident and don’t be afraid.”

When asked how she hoped the world will change for the better she said, “That we’d have more respect for each other.”

And when asked about a life lesson to pass on she said, “Anytime you meet someone, walk a mile in their shoes to gain more understanding.”

Gwen was born in Wichita, Kansas January 3^rd, 1943, to Betty Jean Albott and William Dayrus Albott as the oldest of three children. She was big sister to brother Philip Wayne and sister Janice Elaine.

Gwen was preceded in death by her brother Philip, as well as her mother and father.

She is survived by her husband Danny, son Stephen Wright, grandson Austin, his fiancée Jamie Ward, son Shawn Wright (Julie), daughter Kristen Schmuck (Bryan) and their children: Paisley, Paxton, Hayley, Hannah and Brennyn, her sister Janice Baird, niece Sarah Tobaben (Aaron), great nephew August, and many adoring cousins as well as countless friends.

Gwen was so appreciative for Hospice and the loving care they provided to many important people in her life, including her own end-of-life care. Her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Luminous Hospice at 700 NE R D Mize Rd. Ste. 200, Blue Springs MO 64014.

Service will be held:

Saturday, June 6^th, 2026

Visitation: 10am

Service: 11am

Fellowship Church-Greenwood Campus

1601 W. Main St.

Greenwood, MO 64034

(816) 984-8300