Westbrook - Gwendolyn T. "Gwen" Smallwood, aged 86, of Westbrook died on August 16, 2018 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. She was born in Mexico, Maine a daughter of Maynard and Esther (Murch) Thaxter and was educated in local schools.
Gwen was always a hard worker and worked various jobs while her children were growing up. She came from a long line of nurses in her family and later attended nursing school and worked as an LPN for many years until the mid 1980's. She received several outstanding dedication and service awards while working as a nurse. Gwen also dabbled in Real Estate during this time. After nursing, she changed careers and became a full time successful real estate agent until the late 1990's when she retired. She was a member of the Portland Board of Realtors and the Women's Council of Realtors.
Gwen was always very giving and donated to many charities close to her heart over the years. She enjoyed gardening in her spare time and was very proud of her rose garden. She also liked horses and loved watching the big horse races on television. Gwen loved animals very much, especially her dog Bettie-Dee. Above all, her children and grandchildren were her world.
Besides her parents, she is predeceased by 2 brothers, Theodore G. and James B. "Bruce" Thaxter, a sister, Patricia Thaxter, a son, Frank W. Collins Jr., and a daughter, Pamela A. Miller. Surviving are a daughter, Catherine Gervais of Gray, a son, Bruce T. Collins of Brownfield. Also numerous loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Gwen's services were private. Arrangements were by Poitras, Neal and York Funeral Home, Cornish. www.mainefuneral.com