Guinella "Gwen" Lee Iverson's Obituary
Guinella (Gwen) Lee Iverson, 81, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Munds Park, AZ, passed away comfortably on June 19, 2019 with her family by her side. She is survived by her sons Dale (Elizabeth), Dennis, Daniel (Kimberly) and Doug (Leah), grandchildren Shaina, Louis, Christopher, Daniel, Dustin, Anna and Amy, and siblings Alan (Clara) and Barbara. She joins her beloved husband, Dale David Iverson, Sr., who passed in October of 1991, as well as her father and mother, Homer and Gladys Smedley,
She was Mom to us kids, but was called “Gwen” by everyone else. Gwen was born in Coolidge, AZ, to Homer and Gladys on February 11, 1938, making her one of the few natives of the 48th state. She met the love of her life, Dale, in Tucson, AZ, and the two were married on February 11, 1955. This date was easy to remember for friends and family as Dale and Gwen already shared the date as their respective birthdays, so a double-birthday/anniversary celebration day it became. Gwen and Dale moved to California as part of Dale’s employment with the FAA, bringing 2 sons along on the move west. A 3rd and, years later, 4th son would be part of the move back to Arizona, by way of the Flagstaff area (Munds Park). Dale continued working for the FAA, while Gwen, with only one son left in the house, looked for opportunities to put her artistic talents to work. A skilled painter and crafts creator, Gwen leased the open building next to the Post Office in Munds Park, AZ, and opened a Gift Shop, furnished mostly with her own designs and paintings. Having succeeded with the gift shop, Gwen often spoke with the tenant next door, and learned the contract for the Post Office would be open for bid soon. She taught herself the requirements of the process, and successfully bid on the Munds Park Post Office contract Gwen seamlessly integrated the gift shop and Post Office together, until the town grew too large to have space for both and became a full-time Post Office. Gwen owned the Munds Park Post Office for close to a decade, and also ran a local sign painting business on the side, as well as other, smaller businesses under the umbrella of Iverson’s’ Mail Service. Gwen was also in the business of being challenged by Postal customers, who would try to stump the Postmaster with puzzles, crossword books, and other brain teasers. She would spend a lunch hour, maybe some down time during the day, and often return the puzzle, complete, to the customer on their next visit. She was tough to stump, or to beat in a game of Gin or Trivial Pursuit. She always seemed one step ahead. Gwen was also skilled as a landscaper and bricklayer, having laid the brick foundations of a room and garage addition to the home in Munds Park, and building numerous terraces, planters, and even BBQ grills by hand, sometimes with begrudging help from her youngest son, who was often stuck mixing the mortar.
When work again transferred Dale, this time back to Tucson, Gwen sold the business and became semi-retired, returning to the workforce from time to time, including one stint in a contract postal station. Gwen remained in Tucson after Dale’s sudden passing in 1991, and took comfort in having family in the area, including sons Dale and Dennis, and siblings, nephews and nieces. She passed in comfort, with all four of her boys by her side during her final day. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people at Casa De La Luz Hospice, who helped Mom/Gwen transition in comfort and peace. They are angels on earth.
A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held on July 1, 2019. The services will include immediate family, and will include a chapel service and graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers, Gwen’s memory would be best served by a donation to your local Hospice provider. Any correspondence is best sent to the family member of your choice, as we will share those we receive with the others.
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