Gwendolyn Ruth Tittle D’Epiro passed away peacefully with her children by her side on March 20th 2025. She was 102. In her last months she resided in the care of her beloved grandson and his wife, Zachary and Shirley Mason and their children.
Gwen was born on a hill in Carbon Hill, Alabama on August 14,1922 in her grandparents’ home. Her parents, V.K Tittle and Wilma (Jackson) Tittle built a small house down the hill when she was two . Her first memory was running away back up the hill to be with her grandmother. This memory was an indication of the strength and determination she would possess throughout her life.
Gwen graduated from high school in Jasper, Alabama at age 14. She graduated from the Alabama College for Women (now the University of Monticello). Her brilliant mind held a focus on math and accounting . She briefly taught French while still living in Alabama. In 1946 she moved to Washington, DC and began work as an accountant with National Park Service. She loved nature. She completed the Appalachian trail over her lifetime. She hiked, camped, and often canoed on the Potomac River. She met the love of her life, Carl D’Epiro through their government work in Washington. They married on July 24, 1948. Immediately following their wedding his work brought him to the Alaskan territory. Gwen followed two weeks later, driving across the country with their belongings. They lived in Juneau for two years before returning to D.C.
Gwen and Carl welcomed their children Anna Joy in 1954 and Michael Lawerence in 1957. In 1959 Carl transferred to Gloucester, MA with Gwen following a few months later. They settled in Manchester, MA where both were active members of their community. After Carl’s passing Gwen settled in their winter home in Pinellas Park, Florida.
Dynamo is the word that can best describe our Mom. She was highly intelligent, creative, and had the ability to do whatever she set out to do. She was an excellent cook, baker, and seamstress. She and Carl hosted many office, community, and family dinners. There was always laughter mixed with the bickering of two strong individuals as they created a happy home filled with people and love. Gwen Volunteered throughout her life. Her passions were Girl Scouts, The Tax Aide Program, and her Church. Her leadership and volunteerism were heroic. She dedicated her life in service to others. She actively researched and documented her genealogy which will be passed along to her extended family. She loved God and Jesus and held faith in the Baptist Church. She is at peace now with her Lord.
She is survived by her daughter Anna and her son Michael and his wife JoHanna. She leaves her grandchildren and their spouses Christine (Brandon) Abbott, Zachary (Shirley) Mason. Skylar (Chanel) Mason, Giselle (Nate) Ellis, and Emmett Trafton. She was blessed with 11 great grandchildren, Zacarias, Aiden, Nathan, Bodhi, Gwen, Maverick, Joel, Elias, Gideon, Samuel, and Issac. She leaves her nephews Steven, David, and Mark Tittle. She is predeceased by her brother Boyd and her beloved nephew Brian.
A celebration of her life will be held at her family cemetery in Townley, Alabama in the fall. Donations in her honor can be made to Girl Scouts of Eastern MA Cedar Hill Office, 265 Beaver St. Waltham, Ma 02452 (for camper-ship) brick program. Her love of nature and the out of doors will live on.
