Gwynne Cleveland

Gwynne Cleveland of Poulsbo, Wash., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, December 14.

Gwynne was born in Fort Collins, Colo., on September 19, 1962. She was big sister to Heather (b. 1966) and Carol (b. 1970). Her parents Stephen and Jo Anne raised the family at the foothills of the Rockies where a love for nature, exploration, and grand adventured were cemented in all. Throughout Gwynne's youth she pursued sports, music, and academics.

Gwynne's first marriage of 18 years took the family across the country with homes in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Silverdale, Wash., Newport, R.I., and Charleston, S.C. Their son Stefan Bennett was born in 1986. They returned to Washington in 1994, eventually settling in Kingston, Wash.

While living on the Kitsap Peninsula, Gwynne's career spanned a variety of executive-level administrative roles with a keen expertise as a paralegal. In 2000 Gwynne was introduced to Tim Cleveland at a Super Bowl party. Their romance led to marriage in July 2006. The couple traveled extensively for business and for pleasure, including to the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Colorado, and Mexico.

Gwynne's striking smile, brilliant blond hair, vivacious spirit, witty sense of humor, and deep compassion drew others to her. She made friends instantly and everywhere. Her passion for sports, dancing, music, and laughter brought out the best in everyone. Her friends were her family and it was, and is, a tight-knit group of fans.

An avid sports fan Gwynne was never shy of saying she was a Bronco first and Seahawk second. She enjoyed following soccer, golf and tennis.

Living on the shores of Lemolo Gwynne took advantage of evening kayak excursions along the shoreline and visiting with neighbors along the way. Walks along Lemolo to downtown Poulsbo was a frequent past time even during the down days of her illness.

Cancer became a very real part of Gwynne's life in January of 2013 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer after seeking treatment for a lingering cough. For almost two years she battled a mutation of the disease with courage and pursued clinical trials in Seattle and Boston when conventional chemotherapy failed to slow progression. Many procedures including brain surgery were required to counteract the metastases that spread to her brain, spine, and liver.

Gwynne is preceded in death by her sister, Heather Busch, father, Stephen Busch. She is survived by her immediate family: husband, Tim Cleveland, son, Stefan Bennett, mother, Jo Anne Busch, and sister, Carol Busch. She is also survived by her extended family: daughter-in-laws Katie Bennett, and Katie Cleveland, and Jacquelyn Cleveland; son-in-laws Jay and Ryan Cleveland; and grand children Samantha and Jackson Cleveland.

Contributions in memory of Gwynne can be made in lieu of flowers to the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific on their website, or by mail at 822 John Street, Seattle, WA, 98109.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, from 2-6 pm at the Poulsbo Sons on Norway.