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Gwendolyn Beatrice Wright, 87, was born in Storm Lake on July 19, 1938, to Clarence Marion Wright and Helen “Nellie” Elizabeth Wright (McCabe). She passed away on April 11, 2026, in California.
After high school, she joined the Presentation Sisters in Dubuque. While there, Gwen obtained her BA degree in sociology from Clark College in 1961 and began teaching. She left the convent and moved to California in 1971 where her first job was with the Tierra Del Oro Girl Scout Council.
Gwen taught at St. Mel Catholic School in Fair Oaks, Calif., where she met a widower, Patrick Johnson, whose four children attended St. Mel. They married in June 1975 and had two more children. Patrick became ill in 1978, and she was his loving caregiver, health coordinator and constant companion until he passed away at home in January 1980. Gwen adopted the four older children shortly thereafter.
Gwen later met and dated Ben LeMer. They were married at St. John the Evangelist in June 1999. He passed away in July 2001.
Over her life, Gwen taught school in Iowa at St. Mel in Fair Oaks and St. John the Evangelist in Carmichael. She continued her education obtaining her MA degree in counseling in 1988 from LaVerne University. She was a counseling intern for the San Juan School District in the 1980s.
Gwen loved to travel, puzzles, colorful clothing, jewelry, bowling, anything Iowa-related and music (Neil Sedaka was her favorite). Above all was her love for the Sacramento Kings!
Predeceased by her parents, siblings and many relatives and friends; second husband Ben; her beloved son Scott; and Patrick, her first husband, love of her life, and father of her six children.
Survived by five children: LeAnn, Mary, Philip, Brian and Amy and their spouses; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and Ben’s daughters, Becky and Kati. Gwen was blessed with wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended relatives, Presentation Sisters, friends and neighbors who were a source of love, friendship and support during her life. Gwen was a remarkable person and will be dearly missed.
Funeral mass will be at St. John the Evangelist Church, 5751 Locust Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608 on Tuesday, May 12. Urn visitation at 10 a.m. Funeral at 11 a.m. Reception at noon. If unable to attend, we ask for your presence in thoughts and prayers. Please wear colorful clothing in honor of Gwen’s enduring spirit. Burial will be private.
