Gwendolyn Wolff Barton

Gwen Barton (Tata), 86, devoted wife and mother of two children and four grandchildren, entered into eternal rest surrounded by family in Charleston, SC on October 29. Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Ronald (Ron) Barton and her parents Harold and Gwendolyn Barton, and is survived by her loving children Colleen Barton, Brett Barton, and daughter-in-law Emily Barton, and grandchildren Gwendolyn (Gwennie), Christian, Penelope (Poppy) and Beatrix (Bea).

Gwen was born in Charleston to Harold (Harry) and Gwendolyn Wolff, a miracle baby entering the world prematurely and surviving against the odds. She was an only child who was the light of their life, their pride and joy. They lived in old Charleston where Gwen’s father was prominent in the business community working at Haverty’s Furniture Company and rubbing elbows with everyone who was anyone in their beloved city. His job took them to Richmond, VA for a few years, but they made their way back to Charleston and settled in the burgeoning neighborhood of West Ashley, right on the water, where she also spent the final years of her life.

Gwen met the love of her life, Ron, in 1961 while he was based in Charleston with the Air Force. Ron, the handsome and very tall (6’4”) gentleman from Chicago swept Southern petite Gwen (4' 11-1/2”) off her feet. Ron was called to duty in Vietnam but he managed to sneak away for less than a week so they could marry at Blessed Sacrament Church on April 4, 1964. The epic reception that followed was held at the Francis Marion hotel with over 500 attendees, most of whom were invited by Gwen’s father.

Gwen and Ron settled down in Addison, IL, where there was always a fun party or neighbor to lend a hand. Gwen was a stay-at-home mom, being there for every moment of Colleen and Brett’s lives and being a home base for all of their friends. Christmas was the highlight of every year, where the whole family came together under a huge christmas tree with endless gifts and traditions (christmas bears, cheese fondue and grasshopper pie to name a few). Even the neighborhood critters (opossums, raccoons, squirrels and even the occasional skunk) relied on her, because she regularly fed them and nursed them to health when they were sick. She always put everyone else first. When Ron returned home from each of many trips as an American Airlines pilot she would always have a cocktail waiting for him in the freezer, and she followed him around the world on the many trips and cruises he planned. They were the Two Bs until the very end, passing away in the same year so they could be together again.

While Gwen loved being a parent, the starring role of her life was when she got promoted from Mom to Tata as grandmother to Gwennie, Christian, Poppy and Bea. Tata adored and spoiled her grandchildren with gifts and treats, but what meant the most to them was the unparalleled love and support she gave them. She made each of them feel special and perfect, and they adored her equally (if not more) in return. Tata and Papa shared the gift of storytelling, and her life will live on in the Barton stories we will pass along for generations.

Tata was the life of the party, the heart of our family, and the center of our worlds. Tata was home for everyone, making everyone feel safe and welcome. Now she is at home with all the others who passed before her. How lucky they are to have her in their orbit, making the stars shine even more brightly. And how lucky we were to have her shine her light on all of us in the time we had.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at palmettocs.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Palmetto Cremation Society, 5638 N Rhett Ave, Charleston, SC 29406.