Gwen was born on Jan. 1, 1956 (the first New Year’s Baby in Kootenai County in 1956). She was called home to Heaven after being infected with COVID-19 plus complications. She passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2021, with her son, Justin, at her side. Due to the COVID visitor restrictions, most of the visitations were by video with the families.

She was born to Phil and Donna Willadsen in Spirit Lake, Idaho.

She is survived by her father, Phil, sisters, Gay (David) Holmes, Val (Carl) Larsen and Lorena (Pat) Hanson; and brothers, Mitch (Cindy) Willadsen and Brad Willadsen. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Johnson; son, Justin Farley; grandchildren, Hayden, Tyler and Chyanne; and her daughter, Casandra (Bobo) Womagno; along with grandchild, Elijah. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gwen loved horses and horseback riding. She loved the outdoors and earned the prestigious WO HE LO medallion as a Campfire girl. Music was an important part of her life and she would travel for miles to attend bluegrass festivities. She was a wonderful musician herself, playing piano, violin, guitar and banjo. She played the piano for the church she attended as well.

Gwen also spent time volunteering with potluck meals for the less fortunate in the community, but her kindness, love and giving nature didn’t stop locally. She helped financially, with school supplies, and to feed hundreds of families for the year during COVID-19 in communities in Africa and other parts of the world.

Gwen was proud of her profession as an RN. She worked hard raising three kids while working two jobs and going to college to reach her goals in the medical field. She knew the risks, was very dedicated and enjoyed working with patients. She, at one time, worked in the Critical Care Unit at Kootenai Health herself. She is a true hero- not only to her kids, but to many of those whose lives she touched on a daily basis.

The family thanks the nurses, doctors and staff for all their first-rate care of Gwen at Kootenai Health.

A visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.

Due to the pandemic there will be a celebration of her life later this summer (July), to be announced, through Yates Funeral Home.

Please visit Gwen’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com,