Gwendolyn Elaine Waters

Gwendolyn Elaine Waters (Robertson) passed away peacefully into her heavenly home on April 2, 2025. She was born on October 29, 1933, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C., to Matilda Amoss Robertson and Howard P. Robertson. Gwen grew up in Catonsville, Maryland, and graduated at the top of her class from the University of Maryland Nursing School with an R.N. degree. She met her husband, Dean Gale Waters, M.D., at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, where Gale was serving his internship in OB/GYN.

Gwen will be deeply missed by her beloved husband of 68 years, Gale Waters; her daughter, Deané (David); her son, Phil; her daughter, Robin (Karol); and her daughter, Dawn (David). “Mumsie” is survived by her loving grandchildren: Grace Gayle, Raymond Ward, and Sydney Elaine Fenstermaker; Karolina A. Poderski Crockett (Sam); Aleksander Czeslaw Poderski (Bailey); Apita Elaine Waters; Caitlin Ku’umele Souza; and Til J. Fellows LeFebvre (Dylan). Gwen found great joy in her six young great-grandchildren: Peter Aleksander, Emma Colletta, and Luke Hyrum Crockett; David Michael and Dean Ray LeFebvre; and Bonnie Rose Poderski. She was preceded in death by her adored daughter-in-law, Maria Magdalena Apit Waters.

Before moving to Winter Haven and Haines City, Florida, Gwen lived a rich and fulfilling life in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. She was an avid bridge player, belonging to five bridge clubs; actively engaged in the lives of her four children; a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church; and instrumental in launching the nursing programs at Surry Community College. Gwen also enjoyed teaching others how to do needlework and cook.

In Florida, Gwen quickly became involved in Winter Haven’s First Presbyterian Church, where she participated in the choir and church book clubs. She continued pursuing her passions for bridge and needle arts, often traveling to national meetings for the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. She will be profoundly missed by all her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 637 6th St. NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. Inurnment will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Memorial Garden. Refreshments will be served at the church after the services.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven.