Gwendolyn Goree Vescovo's Obituary
Gwendolyn Goree Vescovo, lovingly known to generations of students as “Ms. Gwen,” was born on November 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on January 13, 2026.
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Virginia Goree; her sister, Rosemary Beckett; and her infant children, Anthony and Jenny Rebecca.
She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 60 years, Ernie Vescovo; her children, Christian Vescovo (Meredith) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Mary-Kathryn Holt (Justin) of Bozeman, Montana; her beloved grandson, Bishop Holt of Bozeman; and her sisters, Jamie Chapman and Diane Spinolo, both of Memphis.
A lifelong Memphian, Gwen was a graduate of Overton High School. She dedicated her life to caring for and educating young children, retiring in 2023 after a remarkable 40-year career in early childhood education. She spent many years shaping young lives at St. Luke’s Day School and later at Holy Rosary School, where her patience, kindness, and joyful spirit left an indelible mark on countless families. To many, she was simply “Ms. Gwen”—a teacher who made children feel safe, valued, and loved.
Gwen was known for her fun-loving nature, steady patience, and genuine kindness. Music was a great joy in her life, and she was often found singing alongside her husband’s rock ’n’ roll band. Many fondly remember her signature performance of “Knock on Wood.” She was also deeply involved in the Memphis Italian Festival from its inception, and enjoyed volunteering at the FedEx St. Jude Classic for many years.
Out of profound personal loss, Gwen became a source of comfort and strength for others. She devoted herself to supporting parents grieving the loss of a child through The Compassionate Friends and PEPD (Parents Experiencing Perinatal Death). Her compassion and service were widely recognized; she was named one of George H. W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light and received the Catholic Diocese of Memphis Good Samaritan Award in 2019.
A woman of deep faith, Gwen lived her life in quiet service to others, offering encouragement, understanding, and hope to all who crossed her path. Her legacy lives on in the children she taught, the families she supported, and the many lives she touched with her generous heart.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Forrest Spence Fund or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930.
“Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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