1938 ~ 2016
Gwen Cowley peacefully passed away January 18, 2016 in Salt Lake City, UT at the age of 77. She was blessed to have her loving family surrounding her during the time of her passing.
Gwen was born July 22, 1938 in Tucson, Arizona to parents Elijah and Isaura Abegg. She attended Brigham Young High School and then Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Later she married James (Jim) W. Webster, Jr. July 2, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple, while he was attending medical school in Philadelphia, PA. His training would take them to other cities such as Seattle, WA and Houston, TX where he completed his cardiothoracic surgical training. After which, they settled in Salt Lake City, UT, as Dr. Webster began his medical practice, and Gwen continued to raise their six children.
Following Jim's untimely death in 1982, Gwen married Joseph F. Cowley September 12, 1997 in St. George, UT. They were able to enjoy 18 wonderful years together as they spent time with their 30 grandchildren, traveling, and serving as mission presidents for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the West Virginia Charleston Mission from 2005-2008.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, James W. Webster, Jr. M.D., her parents, and 6 older siblings. She is survived by her husband, Joseph F. Cowley, Jr., and six children: Chari (Bill) Moreton, Robb (Michelle) Webster, Chris (Jeff) Christensen, Richard C. (Heather) Webster, Gary S. (Shawna) Webster, Bryan J. (Holly) Webster, and 17 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the L.D.S. Cottonwood 12th Ward building, 1750 E. Spring Lane (5240 S.) Holladay, UT. A viewing will be held Friday, January 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Spring Lane chapel, and also one hour prior to the funeral services. Interment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 E. Highland Dr. SLC, UT) immediately following the services.
The family is grateful to all of the wonderful care managers at Sunrise Senior Living Center and also Jolene, from Solstice Hospice for their compassionate service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 21 to Jan. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwen Cowley

23 Entries

Drew Quinn

February 7, 2016

We are very sad to hear about your mother's passing. We have many fond memories of her and your family when we were neighbors. She was a great lady.

Love from Drew Quinn and Peggy Barton

January 30, 2016

Dear Joe and the Websters.

We were out of town for the past two weeks and I was informed by my children of Gwen's passing. She was a dear friend of mine from the time we were debate partners at BY High and through the years. The only reason we did so well in debating, according to George Lewis, our debate coach, was that Gwen carried us both. She has always been a beautiful, sincere friend and every time we meet she would give me a big hug. She was truly a beautiful, gracious women.

Gretel and I send our love at this time.

Swen Swensen

Richard Rees

January 27, 2016

Joe:
We are very saddened to learn of your loss. Although there have been several intervening years, you will always have a very special place in our hearts for the generosity and kindness extended to us in an otherwise troubling time for you and your family. Our very short missionary companionship is a time treasured by us and the result is an eternal blessing for our family. We pray for the Lord to bless you and your family.
Dick and Lisa Rees

January 25, 2016

Gwen was one of the most classy and elegant women I've had the pleasure of knowing. We modeled together in various fashion shows for Nordstrom and ZCMI. And later I had the pleasure of representing her here at TMG. She was a mentor to many...always a smile, always a positive comment. Gwen was special. We will always always remember her...
Love...
Vickie Panek & her TMG Family

January 25, 2016

January 24, 2016

Dear Joe and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your wife's death. It is so hard to have a loved one pass. We are thinking of you and all the children. Remember, we the class of 1957 have to stick together and send our love and condolences. We send our thoughts and prayers, and love........Susan Murdoch Briggs and Anne and Craig MeQueen

January 23, 2016

What an incredible woman! We shared some wonderful memories with her in our study group and other activities! Such a gracious, lovely lady!
We are in CA right now and unable to attend the funeral, but want you to know, Joe, you're in our prayers as is all the family at such a difficult time.
Our love and prayers,
Aldon and Donna Cook

Laura & Royal Hansen

January 22, 2016

To Gwen's children and Joe
Please know how blessed Royal and I feel to have known Gwen
as part of the family. She had a unique ability to relate to all ages but especially sensitive to the young adults.
I loved to watch her talk with them - cheer them and show her
genuine interest.
She is really special and all she accomplished in her life - raising
the children mostly by herself and working so hard.
I love when my mom said about her son, Joe - she knew something special was happening when Joe started going to
fashion shows!
She was definitely a classy lady and we will miss her.
Fondly,
Royal and Laura

January 22, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

January 22, 2016

Joe: I was saddened to read of your sweetheart Gwen's passing. I remember you wanting to borrow my Miata for one of your dates. You were so devoted to your first wife, and I'm sure that same devotion was expressed to Gwen during here health challenges. Our hearts go out to you and the Webster family and know you will be comforted by your faith and knowledge of God's Plan of Happiness.

Thanks for always being a constant and good friend. Mark and Linda Loosli

Michelle Richards Lund

January 22, 2016

Webster Family, Your mom will be missed. She was so kind to me as a new Young Woman in the ward and was inclusive and loving. I was telling someone just the other day about an act of service she did for me when I was young that has impacted me my whole life. I have used her positive example to help try to impact others as she did. She always had such a beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. Prayers for your family. Love, Michelle Richards Lund

Nancy Hollingworth

January 22, 2016

Hello Joe, So sorry for your loss, again

January 22, 2016

So sorry to hear of this. Our sincere condolences to the family of a dignified lady.
Bart and Joanne Webster
Rexburg, ID

Luanne Horting

January 22, 2016

I am so sorry for your lose. I remember the first time I met Gwen and Joe. They came to our area to meet with the parents of the missionaries that they were going be serving with. They drove up in a cool car, with the hood down. Both of them wanted to know about our son so when they got to the mission home they would feel closer to him. I was so impressed that they made such a sacrifice to meet us. My son loved them as much as I did. The motherly love that Gwen gave to my son Elder Andrew Horting was priceless. Thanks to both of you for your service and love to everyone.

Rebecca Carr Lewis

January 22, 2016

Dear Joe,
WE were sorry to hear of your wife's passing. May the Lord Bless and comfort you at this tender time.
Rebecca Carr Lewis and the Carr Family

Rick Glauser

January 21, 2016

What a lovely lady. I did not know her butI do know three of her six children and they are all amazing!! To raise such wonderful children says it all. She is truly an elect lady.

Elizabeth (Peery) O'Leary

January 21, 2016

Dear Webster Siblings & Families,

I am sorry to read about the loss of your mother & grandmother. I met her over the phone, many years ago. She always made feel welcomed when I would come over to visit. She will always hold a special place in my heart, for the wisdom that she shared with me while serving my mission.
I am thankful for the plan of salvation, and the peace it brings at this time.
My prayers & love to all.

Norma (Strang) Larsen

January 21, 2016

Joe and family,

I grew up with you on Michigan Ave. in Salt Lake City. I am so sorry you have lost your wife.
I send my sympathy to you and your families.

Remember that time and good thoughts are great healers. Remember to thank our Heavenly Father for the Plan of Salvation. May you find comfort and love through the Gospel.

I would love to hear from you.
Norma (Strang) Larsen

January 21, 2016

It's been many years since I've been in contact with your mom but I always treasured our friendship when you guys were growing up. I always admired her cleverness and remember the theme of your dads funeral of the compass. Am sure she was a great missionary mom when on her mission. I am out of town n sorry I can't pay her respect at her funeral. My love to all the wonderful children that she raised. Pam Hopkins

Kristen King

January 21, 2016

My heart is tender today as I think of this strong and beautiful lady, the outstanding life she has lived, and the wonderful family she has raised! I am so grateful for the example of genuine kindness and friendship she always showed me. Growing up in the Mt. Olympus stake, we knew Gwen Webster was always the gold standard in classiness! And her children were too. Sending all my love to each of you, dear Webster family, with thoughts of hope and gratitude for the blessing of eternal families. Sincerely, Kristen (Pinegar) King

January 21, 2016

Dear Gwen, I will miss your sweet personality and beautiful smile. May your family be comforted remembering the happy times with you.
Love, Karen smith

Datus Thorup

January 21, 2016

Dear Webster Family (my dear friends),
Please know that we are thinking and praying for you at this time. I loved your mom, she had such a beautiful smile and always make me feel like family. It has been years since I've seen her, but she will always have a dear place in my life growing up.
I love you all!

E. Reed Heywood

January 21, 2016

President Joe and family, What a blessing it was to get to know you and Gwen while you were here in West Virginia. I also had the opportunity to know Jim while I worked at LDS Hospital. my wife loved Gwen and enjoyed sharing their experiences as "mission moms." You have had a great blessing to have two faithful companions and a large and wonderful family. I know you will be comforted in this time of separation because of your absolute testimony in the Savior's plan. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Faithfully yours, President E. Reed Heywood, M.D.

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