Gwendolyn Francine Kander's Obituary
Gwendolyn Francine Kander, nee Shepard, wife of Saul Kander (deceased), daughter of Emma and Stanley Shepard, and sister of Morey Shepard, passed away peacefully on April 26th, 2025 at age 89 in Ashburn, Virginia. Gwen, as she was affectionately known, is survived by three children Kenneth (Yvonne), Gregg (Anna)(Ellen deceased), and Kathy (Jeff), and by 7 grandchildren (Craig, Ryan, Benjamin, Jacob, Kate, Joshua, and Shayna) and 4 great grandchildren (Nathaniel, Elle, Jack, and Leni).
Gwen grew up in Flatbush, NY and attended Madison High School in Brooklyn. She met Saul at a summer camp in Willimantic, CT and were married for 65 years. Saul and Gwen moved to Rockaway Beach, Queens, where they raised a family and had a tremendously close circle of friends, known infamously as the “wild bunch” (which in reality was pretty tame by today’s standards). Gwen worked for many years as executive assistant to the principal of Canarsie High School. Later in life Gwen and Saul moved to Delray Beach, Florida where they enjoyed spending time with friends and hosting family for holidays and vacations.
Gwen will be buried at South Florida National (Military) Cemetery in Lake Worth alongside her husband. Contributions can be made to The Arc of Loudoun, a disability and support services organization in Leesburg Virginia.
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