Gwendolyn Dupray

April 4, 1949 - August 30, 2019
Gwendolyn Dupray

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Gwendolyn “Gwen” C. Dupray, age 70, of Sunset Park in Wilmington, passed away August 30, 2019 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center.  A non-smoker, she was diagnosed with advanced Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in 2010. A doctor gave her three months to live. Renowned for her strength, and determined to enjoy her new grandson, Gwen vowed to fight the disease. Nine years later, her greatest joy was being a doting “Nan” to her four grandchildren: Carter (10), Caroline (8), Nelson (5) and Marietta (4).

Born April 4, 1949, and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, the proud Canadian married a handsome American US Navy officer (Henry “Hank” Dupray) 52 years ago. They settled in the States. A devoted mother, Gwen poured heart, soul, and her many talents into her children and their interests. Over the years, she served as a volunteer children’s music director and Sunday School teacher at Waddington United Methodist Church (NY), Sunset Park United Methodist Church (NC), and Pine Valley United Methodist Church (NC). She worked as a clogging teacher and costumer for the dance program at YWCA Lower Cape Fear. She was an active parent in the Wilmington Boys’ Choir and Hanover Singers, where she also lent her sewing talents.

Professionally, Gwen costumed many shows for Tapestry Theatre Company, Thalian Hall, and Opera House Theatre Company. She also created costumes for cruise line and cabaret shows and a handful of productions at EUE/Screen Gem Studios. Additionally, Gwen made and altered wedding gowns, prom dresses, suits, ready-to-wear, and more, for a bevy of private customers who often became friends.  A road warrior, she drove across North America several times per year, visiting friends and family. She was famous for her homemade bread, her handwritten letters and cards, her phone greetings, and her love of shopping.  If it’s true that the one who dies with the most fabric wins, Gwen gets the gold!

Gwen is survived by her husband, Hank Dupray; her children: Charlene Dupray (Pascal Siegler), Trevor Dupray, Chad Dupray (Cara Dupray) and her four beautiful grandchildren.  In addition to many cherished cousins and lifelong friends who span the globe, Gwen is also survived by her aunt, Lavena Charpentier; her brother, Bobby Cummings (Lorraine Byrch); and her sister-in-law, Carol Cummings.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 am on September 28th in the Don Ansell Lower Atrium Studio at The Hannah Block Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second St.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099

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  • September 03, 2019
    Kellie Kanuit lit a candle:
    Lit since September 3, 2019 at 9:50:08 PM

  • September 12, 2019
    Anne Kathrine Dølgaard says:
    I am so grateful to have been a part of Gwens universe of love, care and laughing since 1976. She has been the one who kept in touch with everyone, and made sure we felt like her extended family. The US postal service ought to design a stamp in honour of their most faithful customer for 50 years. Gwen has spent a fortune sending cards for everyones birthdays and hollidays. Handwritten letters with photos , recepies, holliday ornaments and all kind of surprises. My house and my heart is filled with warm memories of her, and I treasure everyone of them. To Hank, Charlene, Trevor and Chad: Thank you for sharing Gwen with all of us, and all my respect for the way you have supported her over the past ten years.

  • September 12, 2019
    KELLY P HINES (King) says:
    I just saw this, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.. Gwen altered my wedding dress not once but twice! She was a long time close friend to my husband's family. Gwen was our wedding coordinator, she had such pizazz and humor. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Such a great lady!

  • September 12, 2019
    Lorry Allen says:
    I loved Gwen. I was her nurse in pulmonary rehab. We shared many stories surrounding the love she had for her family. Her amazing grandchildren brought her true joy. Her warmth and kindness was enjoyed by all of us in Pulm Rehab. I admired her courage and strength with all the challenges she faced and I will truly miss her. My heart goes out to you.

  • September 12, 2019
    Lorry Allen says:
    I loved Gwen. I was her nurse in pulmonary rehab- we shared many stories that were always delightful surrounding her love for her family. She had such a warmth about her that was endearing. She fought her diagnosis with such courage and dignity. I truly enjoyed being with her when she was part of our pulm rehab family. I am saddened to hear that she passed. My heart goes out to you all.