Obituary of Bethany E. Gwinn

Bethany Eleanor Gwinn, 50, of Elmira, NY, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. A private memorial service will be held for Bethany among close family and friends. Born on May 14th, 1975, in Horseheads, NY, to Rosemary and Elwyn Gwinn, Bethany graduated from Horseheads High School in 1994. She pursued a degree in Music Performance at Syracuse University before dedicating herself to her family. In 1996, Bethany began her career with Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic), starting as a Collection Receptionist and advancing to Fiber Support Analyst. As a dedicated member of IBEW Local 2213, she was elected Recording Secretary, a role she served with commitment for several years. During this time, she also served as a Union Stewardess for CWA Local 1123, advocating passionately for union members. Bethany later earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Corning Community College (2011-2014) and continued her education at SUNY College at Brockport, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was consistently recognized for her academic achievements, earning honors on the Dean's List and President's List, and was a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Bethany devoted much of her nursing career as a Nursing Supervisor for local health organizations. Additionally, she was a skilled medical transcriber and operations Manager, earning an RHDS Certification through Ashworth College. Bethany found joy in crocheting, cooking, baking, and painting, creating cherished items for herself and others. A lifelong lover of music, she had a deep passion for playing the saxophone, flute, and clarinet, talents she cultivated from a young age and remained integral throughout her adult life. Bethany loved sunflowers and admired the art of Vincent Van Gogh, showcasing his infamous painting, "Vase with Twelve Sunflowers," in her living room. Bethany Gwinn is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Caitlin McLaughlin and Hannah McLaughlin, and her granddaughter, Amelia Jane. She is also survived by her beloved parents, Rosemary and Elwyn Gwinn, and her siblings Rachel Gwinn, Sarah (Gwinn) Dunn, and Japheth Gwinn. Bethany will be deeply missed by her nieces, Kallie Quick and Petra Shock, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Ruby Eleanor (Cotter) Gwinn, Theresa (O' Buckley) Donovan, and Robert Donovan. John 11:25-26, "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 855.448.3397, or online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.