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Gwen Ellen Fraser

About

Ithaca College Skidmore College

FUNERAL HOME

Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. - Rochester

3325 Winton Road South

Rochester, New York

Gwen Fraser Obituary

Fraser, Gwen Ellen
Rochester: Died at age 57 at Strong Memorial Hospital under hospice care, Wednesday morning after a long struggle, over several years, with Multiple Myeloma.
Gwen was born in Rochester to Burritt & Ruth Boldt Fraser. She was the sister of Mary Karen Fraser. She was educated in the Rochester City schools & studied voice & piano at Crane School of Music, Potsdam College. Gwen went on to receive her graduate degree from Ithaca College.
Her career involved teaching at Skidmore College & Capital District schools. The majority of her career was spent with the Troy, NY, City School District where she taught theatre & music. While teaching in Troy she directed & choreographed over 20 dramas & musical productions. She was very active in community theatre as an actor, singer, director, choreographer & accompanist. Her favorite roles, which she performed in several productions, including Mother Superior in " Nunsense" & Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd". She also performed with Opera Excelsior & Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown.
She is survived by her longtime partner & mate, William McColl of Schenectady; 4 cousins, William (Susan) Boldt, Marlene Boldt (Paul) Liess, Alice Rogers & Georgianne Locke and their families.
Family and friends are invited to call Friday, 5-8 PM at Miller Funeral Homes, (3325 Winton Rd. S.). A Graveside Service will be celebrated Saturday, 11:30 AM in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should meet at the Main Entrance at 11:15 AM. Contributions may be made to the Schenectady Light Opera Co. to establish a memorial program for Gwen's life & work.
www.millerfuneralhomes.com
585-424-3700

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Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwen Fraser

15 Entries

MARLENE Countermine

November 20, 2007

Gwen and I laughed many a time at SLOC and I will miss her smiling face and great humor. One of my favorite times together was when Gwen, Iris and I were "pit singers" in Promises, Promises. I can only say I will not forget you. You are and will always be an inspiration to me with your bravery and kindness. My condolences to Bill,his family, Bonnie and Barry.

Edward J. Bradley, Sr.

November 12, 2007

To Gwen Ellen's family and loved ones:

Your feelings of loss and sorrow must be overwhelming. May your period of bereavement and grief be, mercifully, short.

Unquestionably the most talented musical comedy stage perfomer I have ever seen. Her portrayal of the uproarious villainess of "Salome(y)" in "The Robber Bridegroom" was the best performance anyone could ever hope to see and hear. The 1st time was at the 1985 performances at Albany's "Live At The Lakehouse" and then, again, at Russell-Sage college.

My son (born: 1980) and I attended every performance we could and enjoyed them all most thoroughly. Gwen's performance made all the difference.

Quite possibly the most talented singer, dancer and actress comedienne who deserved success, fame and acclaim far beyond the boundaries of New York's Capital Region. She will be missed by all.

Benita Zahn

November 10, 2007

I am so saddened to hear of Gwen's passing. A bright light and wonderful talent has been called home. It was my pleasure to perform with her - golly how she could make you laugh.
My heart goes out to Bill and her family.

Barbara Guarnere

November 10, 2007

I attended grade school and high school with Gwen. We were also in the same girl scout troup. I was shocked and saddened to see that she had passed away. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends.

Christine Vermilyea

November 10, 2007

Gwen was a lovely, unique lady. Her sweet smile will be missed.

Marcia Keefe

November 10, 2007

I spent 4 years at Troy High working in all aspects of the theatre under the guidence of Ms. Fraser. I was sad to hear of her passing, especially the weekend of the fall play @ THS. She was talented and generous and a great lady. We were very lucky to have her as a teacher.

John Martin

November 9, 2007

To the family of Ms. Fraser

I have great memories and respect for a talented teacher. I was a student of her's in Choir at Troy High School & acted for her in the Drama Club. I'm glad I had the privledge to learn from her during my years at THS.

John Martin
Classs of 1991

Denise Carnell

November 9, 2007

I will always treasure our many hours together in several Glimmerglass productions, & especially her delightful company during our endless trips along Route 20!

Kim Henry

November 9, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Fraser's passing. She was a great teacher during my years at Troy High. She was also an inspiration for drama club with her active role in the acting community. She will be missed.

Ed Degenhart

November 9, 2007

Gwen left a part of herself in everyone she met and her memory will always be in the hearts of those who knew her.

Jenny & Bill Depew

November 9, 2007

Another SLOC member gone too soon. Gwen was a sweet, nice, brave individual and we will never forget her. May we all learn from her bravery and graciousness during such a long battle with her illness. She was inspirational. Our prayers and thoughts are with Bill and her family. Goodbye Sweet Woman.

Ron and Joan Lillquist

November 9, 2007

Joan and I are glad that we had the opportunity to meet Gwen and enjoy her company with Bill for some dixieland jazz at Le Moyne Manor a couple of years ago.

Colin McCarty

November 9, 2007

Bright, funny, smart, talented and brave- Gwen was a gift to all who knew her. We have lost a true "star".

Iris Bartkowski

November 8, 2007

I knew Gwen several years ago when we acted in Schenectady Light Opera together. She was a true professional, talented, and a wonderful colleague. I am saddened to hear this terrible news. She will never be forgotten in the Capital District. My sympathy to her family and friends.

Charles Bitley

November 8, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Gwen's passing. I taught with Gwen at Doyle Middle School in Troy and she was one of the sweetest, kindest, and most upbeat individuals I have ever known. She suffered way too much in her life. May peace now be hers.

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