Gwen Ellen Rider

Gwen Ellen Rider, 44, formerly of Worcester, MA passed away on August 3, 2023, in Fort Worth, TX. Born in Worcester on July 17, 1979, she was the beloved daughter of Stephen Rider and Walter “Terry” Heatlie of Corona, CA and Virginia and Charles White of Port St. Lucie, FL. She leaves her two loving children, Nathaniel and Rachel Rider, her brothers Ethan Rider, Arthur White, Charles White, and Joshua White and her sister Heather Westbrook. Many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Daryl Rider. 

Gwen was a respected and knowledgeable RN with a passion for helping others.  Her most beloved role in life was being a mother. She worked hard to teach kindness and compassion as basic values while modeling this behavior for her children. Gwen was always ready to listen and help a friend.

She was a poet and had performed her work in the Worcester area. She did peer coaching for those recovering from addiction or sexual assault.

She enjoyed knitting and was an avid reader. She found comfort in philosophy and Buddhism while struggling with many challenges in life.

She will be missed by many who knew and loved her. 

Sunshine

May you always walk in sunshine

and God’s love around you flow,

For the happiness you gave us no one will ever know.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.

A part of us went with you, the day called you home.

A million times we needed you, a million times we cried.

If love alone could save you, 

You never would have died.

At the request of her family, Gwen’s services will be private.