Gwyneth Marguerite Taylor Riddell

Gwyneth Marguerite Taylor Riddell, age 91, died peacefully on December 19, 2012 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Gwen was raised in Toronto and graduated from the University of Toronto with a dual degree in physiotherapy and pharmacology. After graduation, she enlisted in the Canadian Army and was dispatched overseas in the midst of World War 11. In London she served as a Physiotherapist rehabilitating wounded soldiers which enabled her to make full use of her considerable talents. In 1944 she married Charles Miller Ballem in England. When the war ended they moved to Philadelphia and eventually settled in Montreal where they raised two children. She was well known for her generosity and numerous years of volunteering at the Mount Royal Presbyterian Church as well as at the Royal Victoria Hospital. In the early seventies she married James Riddell and for many years they lived an active and happy life together. Gwen loved a party, was a great hostess and a welcome addition at many social gatherings. She spent her summers playing golf at the Royal Montreal Golf Club and her winters playing bridge and cross country skiing. In her later years she developed Alzheimer’s and lived out the remainder of her life at the Veteran’s Center in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. She is survived by her son, Peter Ballem (Alison Paine); her daughter, Marcia Tabb (Lin); stepsons James Riddell (Vivien); Peter Riddell; step-daughters Joann Johnson (Monty); Margaret Maillet (Gerry Ross); 13 grandchildren, Kate Chase (Stuart), Georgia Ballem, Michael Ballem, Lauren Tabb, Lindsey Tabb, Jamie Riddell , Mike Riddell (Kelly), Holly Riddell (Martin), Peter Riddell, Jr.( Lauren), Stephanie Withall (Tony), Heather Johnson, Andre Maillet, Anique Maillet and 10 great grandchildren. A family graveside service will be held in the spring.