Gwendolyn Moore

Gwendolyn Jean Thrasher Moore

June 21, 1939 - April 6, 2025

The world has lost a remarkable artist, gardener, and friend with the passing of Gwendolyn Moore of St. Louis, Missouri. She died peacefully at age 85 on April 6, 2025, leaving behind a garden of memories, a canvas of lives touched, and a community forever enriched by her presence.

Born on June 21, 1939, in Seattle, Gwendolyn was raised in the Southpark neighborhood alongside her three sisters and brother. From an early age, she showed a love for music, art, nature, and making beautiful things grow - passions that would become the threads woven throughout her rich life. As a bright student, she pursued her passion for art at the University of Washington.

Gwendolyn first married Jim Moore, and together they welcomed three beloved sons: Gregory, Daniel, and Jeffrey. Life took the family on adventures from Seattle to New Orleans, where Jeffrey was born. The family eventually settled in the Wedgewood area of North St. Louis County adjacent to Florissant, and later, in historic University City. In the 1970s, Gwendolyn's talent for design and exceptional abilities as a project leader caught the attention of major firms, and she began a distinguished career in commercial interior design, bringing beauty and harmony to spaces at Knoll International, Interiors Unlimited, and Southwestern Bell.

In 1976, Gwendolyn met Michael Ferris, and though they seemed an unlikely pair - the introspective bookworm and the bold adventuress - they were a perfect match. Their shared love of music, art, and deep conversation formed the foundation of a remarkable partnership. After marrying, they moved to Boston in 1980, where Gwendolyn flourished as a senior commercial interior designer at PDI, Inc. and later co-founded the successful firm Smith Moore. Her design eye transformed countless commercial office spaces into environments that welcomed and inspired.

Missing their family connections, Gwendolyn and Michael returned to St. Louis in 1996, settling in the historic Shaw Neighborhood. There, they became beloved fixtures in the community - volunteers, advocates, and connectors of people. Gwendolyn's gift for gardening blossomed into something extraordinary; her garden was featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and she led with passion in both the Melrose IHO Garden Club and local St. Louis garden societies. Her green thumb touched not just her own gardens but community projects and TrailNet initiatives.

The closing chapter of Gwendolyn's career found her working quietly behind the scenes at the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, where her artist's eye continued to enrich the cultural fabric of her adopted home. After retiring, Gwendolyn rediscovered her first love - painting - and became an enthusiastic Plein Air artist, finding joy in capturing the world's beauty with fellow painters. She was a regular presence at the Shaw Art Fair, both as a dedicated volunteer and later as an exhibitor. Her paintings graced local galleries and venues including the University City Public Library, each canvas a testament to her enduring creative spirit.

A woman of boundless energy and warmth, Gwendolyn was a friend to everyone she met. She delighted in travel adventures with Michael, visiting family across the country and abroad, and in the simple pleasures of life - whether tending to a stubborn rosebush, organizing a neighborhood gathering, or sharing her latest painting discovery. Most of all, Gwendolyn was a nurturer, whether of plants, people, or community connections, always finding ways to make life more beautiful for those around her.

Gwendolyn was predeceased by her husband Michael, and her sisters Lydia and Taylor (Linda). She is survived by her three sons, Greg (Tanya) of Superior, WI, Dan (Susan) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Jeffrey of St. Louis; two stepdaughters, Ann (Jordan) of Chicago and Meg (John) of Seattle; and five grandchildren, Tabitha and Truman Moore, Leah, Finn, and Toby Murphy; her brother Charles Thrasher (Kathi Boyker) Quilcene, WA, sister Dawn Thrasher Wood (Vaughn: Deceased) of Odessa, FL; and niece Karen Winston Girardier of St. Louis. She is also survived by a wide circle of friends, neighbors, garden club members, and fellow artists who will miss her deeply. All will forever remember her infectious smile, generous spirit, and the way she could make a room - or a garden - come alive.

Gwendolyn lived life fully and generously, touching countless lives with her creativity and kindness. Please share memories or stories below. Your recollections of Gwendolyn would be deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Gwendolyn to Friends of Tower Grove Park: https://www.towergrovepark.org/donate or the Shaw Neighborhood Association: https://shawstlouis.org

A Celebration of Life for Gwendolyn will be held in June. Please contact Susan Moore
semoore001@gmail.com
for the details and location of the celebration.