Gwendolyn Rawlings

After a long and fulfilling life, our beloved mom and grandma, passed away at the age of 93. Gwen Rawlings was born on October 25, 1932 in Spokane Valley hospital. She joined her three older brothers, mother and father, living in the Spokane Valley. She attended public schools in the Valley, graduating as the Salutatorian from West Valley High School in 1950. She and her best friend, Sally Jackson, had many wonderful times together and their friendship lasted the entirety of their lives. She went on to attend and graduate from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Following graduation from college she took a several month tour of Europe with a college friend. It was a great adventure, hitchhiking and staying in hostels on a budget.

Upon her return to the states, she married Larry Mack, who she met at Whitman. They had four children: Loren, Rebecca, Rozalind, and Julia. They moved several times around the states and Canada for Larry's job. After their divorce, Gwen took a job as a high school English teacher in Kennewick, Washington. She knew only one person in the Tri-Cities but realized she needed to support her four young children so off she went! After teaching English for a couple of years, she earned her librarian's endorsement and eventually moved into a position as the head librarian at Kennewick High School where she remained until her retirement in 1993. Raising four children on a teacher's salary was no easy feat so Mom worked many high school athletic activities to earn extra money. Summers were spent traveling to places like Zion and Bryce National Parks, the American Southwest, the Oregon coast, and even Disneyland! We camped in our red Volkswagen van and enjoyed many adventures.

Along the way, she met her neighbor's brother, Tom Rawlings. They became friends first and then that blossomed into love. They were together for 20 years and married for almost 13 years. He was a very kind man and her true love. He passed away in January 1996.

Following Tom's death, mom didn't slow down. She continued to serve her community in many ways, working three days a week as a volunteer at Grace Health Clinic, reading with children at Westgate Elementary, working with the Trail Seeker program and serving as the librarian at First Presbyterian Church, where she was a longtime member. Mom only stopped volunteering when COVID came along and no longer allowed her to do so. She also enjoyed traveling and went to several different countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel, Brazil, and Portugal. Mom took several trips with Rebecca and her family to various places in the US. She also traveled to the Oregon and Washington coast many times with Rozalind and her family. Mom traveled often to see Julia and her family, including a memorable trip to Maui. For many years, Mom organized a family trip in the summer that included all of her children and grandchildren! We created many happy memories together on these visits! In 2021, mom moved out of her home of almost 50 years into an assisted living facility. She continued to enjoy visits with her children and grandchildren and then great-grandchildren.

Our mom had the unique ability to embrace all of the people she loved with understanding and grace. She accepted us for who we are and always encouraged us to be the best version of ourselves. She was the embodiment of service and love for her fellow man. We could all learn from this remarkable woman as to how to live a life of love and compassion.

Gwen was predeceased by her parents, her brothers and sisters-in-laws, her son, Loren Mack, her husband, Tom Rawlings, and her son-in-law, Robert Caldwell. She is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca (Darrell) Dugan, Rozalind (Dale) Rodgers, and Julia Caldwell, her grandchildren; Sara Rodgers, Natasha Dugan, Devin Rodgers, Kyle Dugan, Kate (Marcus) Johnson, Brian Rodgers, and Matt (Acey) Caldwell, and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her step-children, Wes (Angie) Rawlings and Janet (Brian) Kelly, three step-grandchildren, and six step-great grandchildren. We will all miss her and love her always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Gwen's name to Grace Clinic in Kennewick.