It is with deep sadness we share with you the passing of children's author and artist Gwen Molnar at the age of 99. Born in Edmonton, as a young woman, Gwen—affectionately referred to as Gwennie—served with the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (the Wrens) during World War II. Upon completion of her service, she attended the University of Alberta, where she obtained her B. Ed., and in later life, a B.A. in fine arts. It was at her alma mater where Gwen met her late husband George, a young doctor with a distinguished war record. After several years in Rochester, Minnesota, where George was an instructor and researcher at the Mayo Clinic, the family returned to Edmonton.
Gwen was in her fifties when her publishing career began, including poetry collections for kids like I Said to Sam and Animal Rap and Far-Out Fables—the latter of which was named a finalist for the Writers' Guild of Alberta's R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature in 1997. She later wrote fiction for young adults, introducting teen readers to the Casey Templeton mysteries with Hate Cell and Old Bones.
Gwen is survived by her children, Janie and Charlie, and her grandchildren. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Gwen’s family and friends.