Passed peacefully away in the presence of her loving family at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital on Monday, February 15, 2010, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Best, aged 97 years. Gwen was the youngest and last surviving member of the Urban Parsons’ family. Predeceased by her husband, Rev. Douglas L. Best, July 16, 2004; sisters: Clarice House (nee Parsons), Emma Catherine (Dot) Cramm (nee Parsons), Marjorie Parsons, Janet Parsons, Florence Pike (nee Earl), Isabel Andrews (nee Parsons); brothers: Archibald W. Parsons, Seymour Parsons. Left to celebrate her life: Douglas (Judy) Best Jr.; grandchildren: Kimberly (Paul) Best-Janes, Andrew Best; great-grandchildren: Nathan, Lauren and Evan; sister-in-law Francis (Mrs. Berkley Ingram), Arnold's Cove; nieces and nephews: Gertrude Andrews, Joan Basic (nee Andrews), Fred (Violet) Andrews, Lewis (Denise) Andrews, Archibald (Selina) Parsons, David Parsons, Gordon (Janet) Ingram, Norman (Regina) Ingram, Hilda (Bruce) Wareham, Gwendolyn (Wesley) Warren and a large circle of other relatives and friends. She was a graduate of the Montreal General Hospital School of Nursing and attended Mount Allison University. She was a school teacher and principal and also served as a nurse with the U.S. Air Force at Argentia, NL, where she met her beau. She practiced her nursing and teaching profession throughout Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada. She was the first female Executive Director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundland Chapter and a member of the Retired Newfoundland and Labrador Teacher’s Association. She was an active member of the United Church Women’s Association and a devoted supporter of her husband's Ministry. A special thank you to Dr. S. Iqbal, Dr. G. Bargh and the nursing staff, 7 West, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. Resting at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and Friday, February 19, 2010 from 10-12 noon. Funeral service will be held from Barrett’s Chapel on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2 p.m. Interment to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted and/or donations may be made to Gower Street/Clarenville, NL United Church and the Canadian Cancer Society. To sign the online memorial guest book, please visit www.barretts.ca