Gwendolyn Ella Fagan's Obituary
Gwendolyn Ella Fagan, 87 of Bixby, OK passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Gwen was born on Jan. 24, 1938, in Martinez, CA to Ronald Garvis Sparks and Maude Ella (Mitchell) Sparks. She was the third of four children. She is survived by her brother Ronald Sparks of Hoquiam, Washington. She was preceded in death by her younger sister Gailyn Aletha Morrison and brother Thurman Ray Sparks.
She spent her early years in Richmond, CA and graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1955. At just 16 she married Donald Edward Poland. Together they had 4 children, Ronald Edward Poland of Bixby, OK, Donna Elaine Yaffe of Tulsa, OK, Ray Alan Poland and wife (Kelly Joan Poland) of Jones, OK and Tracy Gail Chaffee and wife (Nancy Brown) of Bixby, OK. Following their divorce in 1965, Gwen raised her children as a single mother, working tirelessly to support them, often taking whatever jobs were necessary to make ends meet. In 1967, Gwen married John Francis Fagan and was widowed by his passing in 1977.
Later in life, Gwen pursued higher education and, at the age of 50, proudly earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Northeastern State University. She went on to serve at the Murrow Indian Children's Home in Muskogee, OK, where she made a lasting impact before retiring.
In retirement she moved to Bixby, OK to be closer to family. She cherished traveling, reading, and spending time with her 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
She is survived by her beloved grandchildren: Tiffany Poland (Sacramento, CA); Brandy Laird (Dallas, Tx); MJ Yaffe (Tulsa, OK); Ashley Yaffe-Turner and husband Jarrett (Tulsa, OK); Elyse Heise and husband Dr. Will Heise (Jones, OK); Cole Poland (Jones, OK); Arianna Suddreth and husband Brett (Overland Park, KS); Maura Montgomery (Cheyenne, OK); Ron Poland and wife Brittany (Norman, OK); Janine Wooten and husband Chaz ( Newcastle, OK); and Gwen's honorary grandchildren, Kevin O'Brian (Tulsa, OK); and Des Poland (Newcastle, OK), who were loved as her own.
Gwen's legacy also lives on through her 20 great-grandchildren: Kate O'Brian, Ella O'Brian, Parker Laird, Haven Yaffe and her partner Peyton Devine of Broken Arrow, OK, Harrison Yaffe of Tulsa, OK, Hudson Yaffe, Hattie Yaffe, Collins Turner, Dean Heise, Amelia Heise, Sebastian Poland, Beatrix Poland, Lucas Montgomery, Logan Montgomery, Riley Poland, Maura Poland, Scout Poland, Henry Suddreth, Charlie Suddreth, Kathryn Suddreth; as well as her cherished great-great granddaughter, Daisy Gwendolyn Devine.
Gwen had so many dear friends throughout her life. Among those closest to her were Jeanne Sparks, her lifelong friend and sister-in law. Their enduring friendship and love for each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.
A special thank you goes to Sharrie Smith-Penn, Gwen's devoted friend of over 50 years. Sharrie was not only her caregiver, but Gwen considered her a sister and she was an aunt to Gwen's children. Sharrie's sons Richie Lane (with wife Kim) and Steven Lane (with wife Jamie), and their children were also embraced as part of Gwen's extended family.
The family also extends deep gratitude to Sherri Whitney and Jovahna Robertson, who provided compassionate care and became like family in Gwen's final days and Casey LaRue whose weekly IV visits she looked forward to.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to the staff of TruHeart Hospice; Melissa, Anna, Brittni, Pam, Tiffany, Cynthia, and Beth, for their exceptional care and kindness during Gwen's final days.
Gwen will be remembered for her fierce love of family, her resilience, her wit, and her unwavering spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and enduring love.
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