Gwen Leia Dunham Of Novato California passed away November 1, 2015. Gwen was born in Oakland, CA on April 4 1966. She graduated from San Marin High School in 1984 and San Francisco State University with a Bachelors in Theater Arts with an emphasis in Costuming in 1989. Gwen's career was an adventure of creating costume masterpieces as a Draper in the Bay Area and San Diego theatrical community. Her contribution to the San Diego Old Globe Theater and San Diego Opera spanned many years. Gwen's costume work appeared on stages in New York, Asheville, Santa Fe, Denver, Pittsburgh and Washington DC. She began a freelance career in 2010. Gwen was a member of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union. She was a passionate cook, reader, gardener, walker, lover of animals and nature, and a craftsperson of exceptional talent and creativity. Gwen had been living in Novato for the past two years recovering from a pedestrian accident in 2012. Gwen is survived by her parents Alan and Roberta Dunham of Novato and her brother Craig Dunham (Caryn Rubinoff) of Pittsburgh, PA, niece Melina Dunham, nephew Maxwell Dunham, aunt Pat Horst and cousins Derek and Ted Horst and many, many wonderful friends from coast to coast. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Novato, 710 Wilson Ave. Contributions in Gwen's memory may be made to the Marin Humane Society 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Novato CA 94949 or a charity of choice. Visit for more information www.KeatonsRedwood Chapel.com

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Nov. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwen Dunham

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14 Entries

November 23, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Gwen was such a bright spirit. She will be deeply missed. Sue Ann Mead, friend in San diego

Jane Goudeau

November 21, 2015

Gwen was friends with my daughter, Jennifer. She always seemed to me to be more mature than the ordinary teenageer. Jennifer was a singer in the high school musicals and Gwen crafted the most beautiful and creative costumes for her. She introduced me to freesias which I still love. Some of Jen's friends say my house smelled of broccoli, which I cooked often. Gwen often brought me a few stems of freesia which enviloped by house with their beautiful scent. My heart grieves for her family. I can't imagine any pain worse than burying a child.

Fran Perrulli

November 21, 2015

My children and I had the wonderful pleasure of Gwen touching our lives. Although, we didn't get nearly enough time with Gwen, the time we did share was always pure quality.
Thank you, Gwen, for teaching Jaclene to sew and many other foster children through your generous volunteer work with the Marin Foster Parents Association. We were graced by your kind and whimsical spirit. You are missed, Dear Gwen. Thank you for caring for the less fortunate, whether people or animals, your gentle way was a welcoming gift. We love and miss you,
Fran, Jaclene & Jesse

Darrell Scott

November 19, 2015

Dear Al, Roberta, Craig and family..We all feel your loss. You are such dear friends and we know this is a difficult time for you. Gwen will be remembered as the talented and caring woman she was. You remain in our thoughts and prayers through this time of mourning and time of remembering. We love you...Darrell, Linda, Craig, Mark, Kevin

Francesca Whitcomb

November 18, 2015

I'm sorry that I didn't stay in better contact with dear Gwen. I have fond memories of our younger days, that's for certain!

Sheila Riggs

November 18, 2015

My heart aches for you. I will be there Saturday with Lexa and Amanda. .

Reggie Winner

November 16, 2015

Warm hugs for you all as you deal with this very sad event. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you?

Burt and Jan Hoffmann

November 16, 2015

Alan and Roberta,

As a parent of a daughter becoming a young woman it is hard to imagine how it would feel to endure such a loss. It is an end to her suffering but only a beginning for your mourning. May you cherish all the happy memories and find strength in that to carry on. Best wishes.

November 16, 2015

Alan and Roberta, please accept our condolences on the passing of Gwen. Tommy and Tara Lee

Mia Steadman Dean

November 15, 2015

Dearest al and Roberta, my deepest sympathies. My heart aches for you. May Gwen rest in peace.

November 15, 2015

Dear Alan and Roberta,
We just heard of Gwen's passing, and we are so very sorry for your loss. We are heartbroken for you as we know Gwen was a big part of your life. You are in our prayers.

Kathy and Keith Wilson

Bill McDill

November 14, 2015

Alan and Roberta, so very sorry for the loss of Gwen.

November 14, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Gwen's passing. My prayers to her family.

elizabeth claverie

Veronica Murphy

November 13, 2015

I was devastated to hear of Gwen's passing this week. She was my assistant in the costume shop at Lamb's Players Theatre for several years. Not only was she a fine technician and a joy to work with but she literally kept me upright during weeks of the stress of mounting a production. She would bring me food and set it all up with real plates and silverware and a cloth napkin and make me leave our work area to have a true break from the chaos. She told me so many funny stories and I have often retold the story of how she loved doing paint by numbers because her parents had provided her with countless art supplies when she was young so she could be creative but that she longed for structure and as an adult, paint by numbers gave her that. Her bright spirit will be missed in this world.

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