Gwenella “Gwen” Mae Harp

On the evening of April 24, 2025, Gwenella (Gwen) Mae (Hayward) Harp of Kenosha passed away at her home and into her Heavenly Home surrounded by her loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. She was 89 years old. Gwen was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on May 25, 1935, to George and Pearl (Finsterbusch) Hayward. She attended Kenosha area schools. On February 25, 1956, she married John (Jack) Harp. They had three children together, Cheryl, Bruce and James.  She was employed by the Bindery and American Motors up until the time of the birth of her children at which time she became a homemaker. Once her children became adults, she then worked for Johnson Wax as a products tester.

Throughout life the family enjoyed camping with family and friends.  After retirement Gwen and Jack loved to travel in their motorhome visiting family and friends, and various places in the United States.  Gwen was very social and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  She enjoyed learning new things and loved music, especially anything with a good drumbeat.  She loved dancing, being silly or being a goof.  She always made sure everyone had enough to eat and would whip up one of her famous “granny sandwiches” whether you wanted one or not. The grandchildren always went home with a survival kit full of snacks/treats.  She loved animals (especially cows), and her beloved pets Chante, Ginger, Trouble and Rowdy.

Gwen is survived by her three children, Cheryl (Steve) McCrary, Bruce (Kitty) and James. Her grandchildren, Heather, Jonathan, Jessica and Rudy, several great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Jack in September 2011, her sister, Cora LaMantia in July 2004 and parents, George and Pearl Hayward.

Gwen’s family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Casey Family Options and Heartland Hospice, for their compassionate and professional care during Gwen’s illness.

Gwen will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 1st at 1 pm, at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St, Union Grove, WI. Her Celebration of life will be held at Kenosha Christian Fellowship, 5610 55^th St, Kenosha, WI, on Saturday May 3^rd.  Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations

3016 75^th Street Kenosha WI 53142

262-653-0667

www.caseyfamilyoptions.com