It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Kent at Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst on Saturday October 2, 2004 at the age of 93. Born in Fredericton, N.B. on August 24, 1911 she was the daughter of the late Geoffrey Percy Ryder and Caroline Annie (Whittle) Ryder. Mrs. Kent was the last surviving member of her immediate family having been predeceased by sisters Phyllis Boyne, Edith Dulhanty and Joan Cox. Mrs. Kent spent her youth in Halifax, moving to Bathurst in 1955 upon her marriage to J. Harper Kent. Mr. Kent, who had many business interests in the Bathurst area, predeceased her in 1987. She is lovingly survived by two nephews, a niece and their families. Gwendolyn was caring and gentle. She easily made many friends, and was always willing to provide a kind ear, taking great pride in helping others. With her late husband she established the J. Harper Kent Charitable Foundation Scholarships in 1976. Mrs. Kent assumed the position of Chairperson upon the death of her husband in 1987. Since its creation in 1976, the Foundation has granted some 55 scholarships each year to Acadie-Bathurst county students to assist them with the costs of post-secondary education. Mrs. Kent's dedication to educational causes was acknowledged with several recognition awards from the University of New Brunswick. An auditorium was named in honor of her late husband at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. She was named a lifetime member of UNB's President's Club. Mrs. Kent was also awarded a key to the City of Bathurst and made a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Bathurst. In December 2002 she received the Golden Jubilee Medal in honour of Her Majesty's Queen Elizabeth II 50th anniversary as Queen of England. In 2003, her contribution to the advancement of education was recognized in a very special way when the auditorium/theatre at Bathurst High School was named after her. Mrs. Kent possessed a keen sense of business, enjoying the respect of many dedicated employees and business associates. Mrs. Kent was well known for her excellent cooking skills, her achievements in fly-fishing and for her style and grace. She enjoyed a long and full life and died peacefully. At Mrs. Kent's request, there will be no visitation at the funeral home or a funeral service. Following cremation, internment and a private graveside service will be held at the United Church Cemetery, Bridge Street, Bathurst at a later date. Condolences may be sent by e-mail care of Elhatton's Funeral Home, www.elhatton.com (efh@nb.sympatico.ca) Donations in her memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Kidney Foundation of Canada or CNIB.