Gwen was born on March 19, 1965 to Jacob G. and Eva Plett. She grew up on the family farm east of Blumenort. At the age of 14, she was baptized upon the confession of her faith at the Blumenort EMC Church by Pastor John P Loewen. In 1984, she married Peter James Martens of Steinbach. They were given the gifts of seven children. In 2004 she recognized a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse by entering Nurses Training. In December of 2005, she graduated as a licensed practical nurse. She loved the few years she had working on NU1 at Bethesda Hospital. She had the best coworkers. She also got the travel bug and loved the travel that she did, as well as dreaming of future travels. Gwen was diagnosed with cancer in May 2009. She fought this with all her energy and determination, trying every possible treatment option available. She went Home on July 2, 2012 with her husband by her side. She is survived by her husband Peter of 28 years, Dustin (Amy), Dale (Alicia), Danielle, Dauna-Lee, Daphne, Keisha and Clark, as well as three grandchildren Gabriel, Aurora and Thatcher. She is also survived by her parents and five siblings and their families. She was predeceased by her brother, Wallace, and both sets of grandparents: Isaac and Annie Brandt and Jacob DK and Margretha Plett. Viewing will take place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 5 beginning at 7:00 p.m. with devotional at 7:30 p.m. Funeral will be held Friday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Southland Church, Hwy 52 W in Steinbach. Interment at Heritage Cemetery. Donations may be made to Four Winds Projects (Southland Church), Box 219, Steinbach, MB R5G 1M2 or to assist family with funeral costs.