September 26, 1955 - March 6, 2023 

Gwen Anderson Healey, 67, of Hot Springs, S.D., passed away peacefully on March 6, 2023 at Edgewood Memory Care in Pierre, S.D. after a long battle with vascular dementia.

Gwen was born on September 26, 1955 and was raised in Newell, S.D. as the only daughter of Dale Bernard Anderson and Clarice Katheryn Wiest (Anderson). From a young age, Gwen developed a passionate love for music and a deep devotion to her faith. After graduating from Newell High School in 1973, she attended Black Hills State University and pursued a degree in Music Education.

While spending a summer in Grand Junction, Colo., Gwen met Daniel Michael Healey and the two were married on September 3, 1977 in a small, backyard ceremony in Spearfish, S.D. Dan and Gwen spent the early years of their marriage in Spearfish, Pittsfield, Mass. and Newell. Gwen found work as an office manager for Northern Hills Insurance in Spearfish, and later as an Assistant Music Teacher for the Newell school system. After starting their family in the northern Black Hills, Dan and Gwen eventually settled in Hot Springs where Gwen began a new career with VA Black Hills Health Care System before eventually retiring in 2014.

Throughout her life, Gwen remained deeply devoted to her family, her faith, and her music. She was an active member of the Catholic Church, offering her time and talents as a leader of the Youth Choir and Youth Group, a vocalist and accompanist for Sunday services both at St. Anthony’s and the VA Catholic chapel, and enthusiastically playing the trumpet for the closing hymn “Jesus Christ Has Risen Today” at Easter mass every year. Gwen also participated in the Hot Springs Community Band, and together with Carol Foster, was a founding member of the Sandstone Singers, who continue to offer their musical talents to the Southern Black Hills today. When not serving her church, the veterans, or the community, Gwen stayed busy taking care of her family and being super mom to her children – while making it all look easy.

After retirement, Gwen and Dan could frequently be seen out and about cruising the Black Hills in their little red Mazda Miata, spending countless hours meeting new friends and sharing their love of music at festivals, open mics, jam sessions, or anywhere else an opportunity could be found.

Gwen is survived by her son, Dale (Kristina) Healey of Pierre, S.D.; daughter, Kara (Connor) Kelly of Phoenix, Ariz.; two brothers, Jeff (Marti) Anderson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Joel Anderson of Edmonds, Wash.; granddaughter, Lydia, and countless family and friends both near and far.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Dan; parents, Dale and Clarice, and many other family members and beloved pets.

Gwen’s children would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the outstanding staff at Edgewood Memory Care, including Kenya Briggs, Casey and Cassidy Ryland, Violet Bollock, Kathleen Van Fossen, Jennifer Terry, Jessica McFarling, Mauna Wipf, Jhetta Nelson, Rylie Miller, Joel Johnson, Andrew DeGreef, Alex Remark, and Jennifer Weyrich who offered their unending love and support to Mom in her final years of life. We can never thank you all enough.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hot Springs on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Gwen’s family requests that donations be made to the Sandstone Singers c/o Carol Foster,  201 N 3rd St   Hot Springs, S.D. 57747.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home of Hot Springs, S.D.