Williamsburg, MA – Gwendolyn “Gwen” Blodgett, of Williamsburg, died peacefully on February 17th, 2026 in Northampton, MA. Gwen was born on March 22, 1941 in Springfield, MA to Francis S. Blodgett and Rowena D (Bates) Blodgett, who predeceased her. She is survived by one brother, Harley, of North Carolina, and several cousins, nieces and nephews in various locations. Though she grew up in Springfield, she had fond memories of time spent with family members in Worthington.
Gwen attended the Springfield public schools, Bates College, and graduated from UMass Amherst with a BA in History in 1967. Her education, though, was lifelong. She was endlessly curious and interested in people she met and in the world around her.
Her caring nature led her to a career as a Personal Care Attendant, working for various organizations in the Pioneer Valley and caring for numerous individuals, including Ruth and Norman Mercer. The Mercers became well-known disability rights activists while under her care. Her last position was caring for her aunt Gertrude Bates, which is the “job” that brought Gwen to her adopted and beloved hometown of Williamsburg.
Williamsburg loved Gwen as much as she loved it. Her open and cheerful demeanor led to many enduring friendships. Over her 30+ years in town, she was active in the Historical Society, the Open Circle Poetry Group at Meekins Library, the Cyclonauts Bicycle Club, her Thursday hiking group, and over twenty years as a dedicated and hard-working member of the Woodland Trails Committee. Gwen loved being outdoors, hiking, and learning about nature. She was a supporter of several land conservation organizations in the area. Gwen was a skilled and avid gardener; growing and preserving most of the food she ate. What she didn’t grow, she tried to purchase at local farmers markets, where she was a regular presence.
Late in life, Gwen found love with Christopher “Kit” Smith, who predeceased her. Their time together was brief, but lovely. He shared her love of the natural world, music, community, and together they created a home for themselves in a quiet and welcoming neighborhood in town.
Services will be private. Donations in Gwen’s memory are suggested for The Williamsburg Woodland Trails Committee, c/o Town of Williamsburg, 141 Main St., Haydenville, MA 01039 (checks to Town of Williamsburg) https://www.williamsburgwoodlandtrails.org/donate or the Hilltown Land Trust, 332 Bullitt Road, Ashfield, MA 01330. https://www.hilltownlandtrust.org/donate
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