Gwendolyn Onofryton

Gwendolyn Geraldine Onofryton, aged 89, passed away on May 23, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ. Born on April 16, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Gwen was a beacon of strength and love throughout her life.

Gwen graduated from Cody High School in Detroit, where she first began to show her resilience and leadership, qualities that would define her throughout her life.

The eldest of nine siblings, Gwen played a significant role in her family from a young age, helping her mother raise her younger brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Charlotte, siblings Harvard, Sharon, and Joan Golden, and her significant other of 20 years, Pete Thomas.

Gwen is survived by her loving siblings Ruth, Priscilla, Grace, Milton, and Doug Golden. Gwen and Owen raised four sons, Stephen, Timothy, Scott, and John. Grandmother to Danielle, Sarah, Katherine, Daniel, and Cara, as well as great-grandmother to Kassidy, Rylie, Ronin, and Emery.

A caring and loving figure, Gwen was known for her avid reading and her ability not to shy away from expressing her opinions. Her home was often filled with books, and she could frequently be found at the local library or engrossed in a challenging crossword puzzle. Gwen and Pete were also regular attendees at the Italian American Club in Phoenix, where they enjoyed connecting with the community and participating in various activities.

Gwen’s life was marked by her dedication to her family and her passion for learning and community involvement. She will be remembered as a strong, loving, and articulate woman who made a significant impact on the lives of those around her. Her legacy will live on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, instilling in them the values of family unity, education, and community service.