Gwendolyn Brooke De Young

Gwendolyn Brooke De Young, 28, of Kalamazoo, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at her home after an 8 year battle with brain cancer. Gwen was born January 30, 1994, in Paw Paw, daughter of Randy and Cindy (Branch) De Young. Gwen graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 2012, and her love of sports led her to higher education at Western Michigan University, studying film, video and media studies. She was employed by Bronco Productions as a videographer and was a writer for the Western Herald, and in 2017 was named their sportswriter of the year. Gwen was also the owner of Stunning Shots Photography and took photos for a number of sporting events, including the USA Men's and Women's Curling National Championships, as well as Portage Central football games. She was an avid Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Gwen is survived by her parents, Randy and Cindy; brothers, William (Jenna) De Young, Thomas De Young, and Ron De Young; one niece and one nephew, Evie and Elliot; special aunt, Cheri Branch, special cousins Rob Branch, Travis Branch, Rachael Fairbotham and Ken Marks, uncles, Ron, Jim and J.R. Branch; and many other cousins.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on Monday at 3 p.m. at Avink, McCowen, Secord Funeral Homes, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. Family and friends may gather from 2 – 3 p.m. Gwen's family requests that those in attendance come dressed comfortably and casually, and encourage them to come wearing their favorite sports jerseys. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hockey Fights Cancer https://www.nhl.com/community/hockey-fights-cancer.

While visiting Gwendolyn’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family.

The family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI. (269) 344-5600.