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Gwen Jacoby Hauser (81) died peacefully on August 26, 2024. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she absolutely loved the Pacific Northwest. While there were many compelling reasons to remain there to continue her education, she was granted a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, ventured 3,000 miles away and fully immersed herself in the East Coast college experience. She excelled there, receiving her BA, and then went on to earn her MA at Temple University while working full-time as a teacher. She remained in the Philadelphia area for her entire adult life and was incredibly dedicated to early childhood education and literacy efforts. Gwen was a highly-regarded and much-loved educator of both children and adults and spent 40 years in the School District of Philadelphia. In her retirement, she was a longtime patron of and volunteer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, the Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet X, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She was also an avid collector of Japanese woodblock prints and had many stunning pieces. Gwen enjoyed her membership at the Cosmopolitan Club and was a 50+ year active parishioner at the Church of St. Asaph. She was incredibly passionate about education, music, and the arts. To know Gwen was to know her true loves: her daughter, Samantha Hauser Ekert, and grandchildren, Julia Hope Ekert and Cole Conrad Ekert. She adored them like no other and was truly happiest when she was with family. Gwen showered the three with the deepest care and love. Her grandchildren were an unending source of joy and her greatest pride. No exchange with her passed without some excited mention of the latest successes and adventures of Julia and Cole. Her hazel eyes shone brightest and her face lit up beyond measure when she spoke of them. She is lovingly survived by her daughter, grandchildren, brother Jack and sister Kenya, son-in-law Kurt, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Lee and Gladys, older sister Sondra, and ex-husband and dear friend Warren. Gwen was treasured by so many, and her lifelong curiosity and creativity, as well as her enthusiasm in sharing her passions with others, made a lasting impact on anyone fortunate to have met her. She will be remembered most by her cherished role as a doting mother and nana, and her wonderful spirit will carry on in her family and friends. There will be a service for Gwen on September 20th at 1 pm at the Church of St. Asaph in Bala Cynwyd, PA. In lieu of flowers, please support the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center (www.japanphilly.org) or the Art and Music programs at the Church of St. Asaph (www.saintasaphs.org) in Gwen’s name.

Tributes

Gwen Jacoby Hauser

May 20, 1943 - August 26, 2024