Gwendolyn Janice (Blackwell) Kiessel 82, of Ogdensburg, passed away unexpectedly on July 23. She was born to the late Harold James Blackwell Sr. and Theodora Ann (Pfluger) Blackwell September 3, 1934, in New York City. Gwen lived most of her early years in Tenafly NJ, where she graduated Tenafly High School class of 1952, before moving to New Milford NJ and then finally settling in Ogdensburg NJ in 1967.

She was a volunteer at Englewood Hospital for many years, a founding member of the We Care Club of Newton Memorial Hospital and a member of the Sussex County Transit Board. She loved to spend much of her time with her family, her grandchild and her great-grandchildren most of all.

Gwen is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Frederick Kiessel and son Jerry Kiessel.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Dee Ann (Kiessel) Devine and her companion, Douglas Moffat; loving granddaughter, Jessica Ann (Devine) Kowar and her partner, Russell Ashley; and her great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Derek Kowar, Katie and Krystina Ashley. Gwen was also the loving sister of Harold (Jim) Blackwell, Jr. (predeceased), Theodora (Blackwell) Stone, Harlan A. Blackwell, and Alden B. Blackwell.


Family and friends are invited to the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home One Main St. Franklin NJ 07416 on Tuesday August 8 for visitation from 11:00am - 1:00pm directly followed by a funeral service and then interment at Sparta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ogdensburg First Aid Squad, 8 Willis Ave., Ogdensburg, NJ 07439. For directions and condolences see www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.