Gwendolyn Iowla (Meader-Evans) Biggar, 97
Gwendolyn Iowla (Meader-Evans) Biggar, 97, of Eureka, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, at her home with her family by her side. Gwendolyn was born April 22,1924, in Kelso, Washington, to Arthur and Minnie (Drew) Meader.
Gwendolyn was raised in Washington, Oregon and Montana. She attended school at Whitefish High School in Whitefish, graduating in 1942. She attended college at the University of Missoula from 1942 to 1943.
Gwendolyn spent time as a nanny while in high school and college. She was a telephone operator, a clerk at a Torberts dime store, and worked in the press room of the Daily Inter Lake newspaper. She then began her 40-plus year career in the insurance industry. She began as a file clerk and ended her career as an underwriter working independently.
Gwendolyn was an active member of Christ Church Episcopal of Kalispell for 65 years. Gwen had many roles within the church, including Sunday school teacher, vestry clerk, choir member, altar guild member, and anywhere her help was needed. Christ Church Episcopal and its members were her second family. In later years Gwen volunteered her time at Elrod School teaching children cribbage and helping them with reading. Gwen was also a 15-year volunteer at Brendan House long-term care facility of Kalispell.
An avid reader of religious text, mysteries and current events, Gwen also enjoyed choir music, gospel, easy listening, ‘40s country and western, ‘40s big band, and show tunes. Additionally, Gwen appreciated fine art and still life images and especially enjoyed scenic drives.
Gwen was a wonderful, sweet lady. To meet her was to like her, and to know her was to love her. Gwen was kind, caring, compassionate and generous with her time and her love. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, being quick with a laugh and a smile. Our family has been blessed to have her as our matriarch and we'll miss her immensely but cherish our wonderful love filled memories with her. Gwen was a blessing from God.
Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her husband Philip R. Biggar, daughter Peggy Ann Herman, brother John "Jack" Meader, half sister Lucille Helen Evans and Adeline Chesley, half brothers Theodore Meader and Richard Meader, father Arthur Meader, and mother Minnie Drew-Watson-Meader-Evans. Gwendolyn is survived by her daughter Sandra Biggar Jackson of Kalispell,
grandchildren Melinda Lee Ferguson (Tim) of Eureka, Philip Raymond Jackson of Kalispell, and Raymond Leonard Jackson Jr. (Denise) of Kalispell, and great-grandchildren Alyssa Rose Stratton (Casey) of Kalispell, Zain Alexander Ferguson of Eureka, Jared Tyler Ferguson of Bozeman, Taylor Gracie Jackson of Kalispell, Jaycob Raymond Jackson of Kalispell, and Jazmyn Iree Jackson of Kalispell.
Funeral Services will be held on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to Christ Church Episcopal of Kalispell.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.