GWENDOLYN E. SCHLANGE March 2, 1928 November 21, 2016 MISS GWENDOLYN E. SCHLANGE, Educator, died peacefully November 21, 2016, in Hemet, CA, after a brief illness. Gwen was born in Whittier, CA on March 2, 1928, and resided her entire life in California. She taught for 45 years, the last four decades at Little Lake Elementary School in Hemet. In 1992 she was honored as Teacher of the Year at Little Lake School and for the Hemet Unified School District. Gwen received a full scholarship from Whittier College, returning to Hemet to care for her beloved mother, and to teach. In 1962 she received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in London. In 2012 she received the Outstanding Woman Award from the Gamma Theta Chapter of Chi State, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. In 2005 the California State Assembly honored Gwen with a special Resolution as a Distinguished California Resident, " for her lifetime of learning, achievements, and meritorious service." During a richly productive retirement, Gwen served as a Trustee at Mt. San Jacinto College for 22 years. She championed the college district's expansion, including locations in Menifee and the San Gorgonio Pass. A fervent advocate for scholarships, she became an honorary director on the MSJC Foundation Board in 2014, where she served until her passing. Gwen loved the Lord, often saying that, because He blessed her life and enabled her to do what she loved, "I have a responsibility to pay it forward." Her love shone through her service with many organizations, a few of which include the American Association of University Women, Community Builders, United Methodist Women, Friends of the Library, Delta Kappa Gamma, and California Retired Teachers. In 2011 Gwen received The Community Builders Award for her life-long commitment to community service. Because Gwen also loved learning, travel, and history, she enjoyed graduate courses at USC, UCLA, UCSD, Redlands University, Columbia University in New York, William and Mary College in Virginia, and the University of Maryland at College Park. She also toured numerous historical sites across the United States and Europe. She was preceded in death by her mother Elsie, one brother and a sister. She is survived by two brothers, her nieces and nephews, maternal cousins in Ohio, and innumerable friends who thought of her as family. A memorial service for Gwen will be held Saturday, December 17th at 1:00 p.m. at Hemet United Methodist Church, 530 S. Buena Vista Street, Hemet. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gwen's devoted support of students may mail donations to the Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation, 1499 N. State Street, San Jacinto CA 92583, or may donate online at www.msjc.edu/foundation

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Published by The Press-Enterprise on Nov. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwendolyn Schlange

6 Entries

Noni Priester

December 21, 2016

Ms. Schlange was my first grade tracher at Little Lake Elementary 30 years ago. Her classroom was an oasis of peace and calm for me--every child should be so lucky to have a teacher like her in their life.Goodbye, Ms. Schlange.

Paul Bakkom

December 17, 2016

An educator that never stopped caring about what was best for her students and strengthening the profession she dedicated her life to.

Casie Husby

November 29, 2016

I just saw that my first grade Little Lake teacher Ms. Gwendolyn Schlange passed away last week. My grandmother taught me to read through nursery rhymes before I entered school, but I also remember Ms. Schlange teaching us to read sight words with the help of Dick and Jane. She always advocated for education and all students and always remembered me, my sister, and my single mother. She used to go into Falatico's Ristorante where my mother worked and 30 years later gave us each a copy of the Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease and signed a note to each of us inside our books when she found out that my sister and I both became teachers. She always made sure my mom was her waitress and tipped her generously knowing she raised her two daughters as a single mother on a very limited salary. She always dressed up and got her hair done every week at the Majesty salon and took pride in her presence, appearance, and passion for teaching and learning. Today I am a teacher of ALL students and thank Ms. Schlange for her dedication, compassion, empathy, commitment, and love for one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs on the planet. Cheers to years of service and giving back to children and the community. Thank you for your time, talent, and energy and investing in me, my family, and my future. You made a difference in the life of many and inspired us to achieve our hopes and dreams.

Patrick Smith

November 29, 2016

I have fond memories of Ms. Schlange;s class. . .I met her on the picket line when my mother brought me to first grade in 1979. . .I loved the fort in the corner of her room. . .I will never forget Ms. Schlange taking our first grade class out to the benches around the tree to sing hip hip hooray for whomever finished their math workbook day.

Franklin Stuart

November 27, 2016

What a wonderful person our Gwen was, so caring, so loving, so eager to share. She was a splendid teacher and always devoted to education. It was a joy to know her, a pleasure to be her friend, and an honor to be a member of her "family of the heart." I cannot tell you how deeply we will miss her.

God blessed you mightily, Gwennie, and you shared so generously. Goodbye for now.

Frances Orr

November 27, 2016

My dear Gwennie, we had unfinished projects. My heart is broken. I always looked up to you as a little girl. A college educated woman, so elegant and tall. Forever in my heart. Frances.

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