Gwen Surpitski Kenneally

Gwen Surpitski Kenneally, 80, formerly of Hamilton, Massachusetts, passed away on October 13th, 2026, in Blairsville, Georgia, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories, remarkable adventures, and people whose lives were touched by her kindness, humor, and love.

Born to Kosty and Ellen Surpitski, Gwen grew up in Hamilton, Massachusetts, alongside her younger brother, John. She was a graduate of Hamilton High School, Class of 1964.

Following high school, Gwen’s adventurous spirit and passion for helping others led her to Hawaii, where she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. Nursing was more than a profession to Gwen; it reflected her caring heart and her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

On June 1, 1969, Gwen married Roger Kenneally. Together, they began a journey of marriage, family, and shared experiences. Their marriage lasted more than 41 years until Roger’s passing in 2011. Together, they raised two children, Scott and Heather, and built a family whose love and memories would remain an important part of Gwen’s life.

Gwen had a deep appreciation for art, beauty, and creativity. A gifted artist, she received awards and recognition for her artwork. She also had a passion for photography, capturing special moments, beautiful landscapes, and memories from the many places she explored. She loved traveling throughout the United States and other countries. Her adventurous spirit and love of photography allowed her to preserve countless memories of the places she visited and the experiences she treasured.

Gwen also believed that it was never too late to pursue a dream or learn. In her 60s, she returned to college and proudly earned her degree in psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida.

In her later years, Gwen settled in the peaceful mountain community of Blairsville, Georgia, where she enjoyed a quieter chapter of life surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

As Gwen faced the difficult journey of Alzheimer’s disease, she gradually lost many of the abilities and memories that had once defined her independence. Yet even as the disease progressed, something beautiful remained: her ability to make people smile, laugh, and care deeply for her.

In a beautiful and meaningful full-circle moment, Gwen, who had once dedicated herself to the nursing profession and caring for others, found herself surrounded by nurses who offered her that same compassion, tenderness, and love. When they learned that Gwen had once been a nurse herself, it created an even deeper connection—a shared understanding of a life devoted to helping others. The hands that had once cared for patients were now being held by those who had chosen that same calling.

What began as a responsibility to care for Gwen became something much more personal. She made her nurses laugh, brought smiles to their faces, and found a special place in their hearts. They didn’t simply care for Gwen; they came to love her.

Gwen’s life was never defined by Alzheimer’s disease. She was a nurse, an artist, a photographer, an adventurer, a college graduate, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and a cherished friend. She was a woman who traveled far, dreamed big, continued learning, and left pieces of her heart with the people she met along the way.

Gwen is survived by her son, Scott Kenneally, and his wife, Shannon; her daughter, Heather Betts, and her husband, Steve; her beloved grandchildren, Maxx Betts and Katelin Payne; her younger brother, John Surpitski; and extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger Kenneally, and her parents, Kosty and Ellen Surpitski.

Gwen’s story will not be remembered by the disease that marked her final years, but by the extraordinary life she lived, the family she loved, the friendships she made, and the laughter she left behind.

May she now rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor Gwen’s memory by making a donation to your local animal shelter or veterans organization, two causes that held a special place in her heart. Through these acts of kindness and generosity, Gwen’s legacy of compassion, love, and caring for others will continue to live on.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gwen Surpitski Kenneally; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.