Vanessa Van Laanen Gwynne – San Diego Union-Tribune

Vanessa Van Laanen Gwynne

OBITUARY

Vanessa Van Laanen Gwynne was born on September 9, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Studio City. She began studying the flute at an early age and became a talented young musician, performing in youth orchestras. She attended UC San Diego, majoring in music, and later earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern California.

Vanessa spent her career at the Coronado Public Library, where she worked in Children’s Services, Reference, and as the Audio-Visual Specialist. She was a passionate advocate for libraries and public service, believing deeply in the role libraries play in preserving access to knowledge and intellectual freedom. She booked a wide range of musicians to perform in the Coronado Winn Room, presenting summer festivals, holiday concerts, and weekly brown-bag piano recitals. She loved literature, especially mysteries, and had a lifelong passion for classical music and opera. An accomplished flutist, she played flute, alto flute, and piccolo in community bands and orchestras, including the Coronado Community Band, TICO Community Orchestra, and the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble.

In her final circle around the seasons, she faced ALS with grace and resilience, retaining her sense of humor even in difficult moments. She found solace in the songbirds that frequented the backyard, the doves perched outside at dusk, and the warmth of the fire in the hearth. Vanessa will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her lifelong commitment to performing music, and the values she embodied as a librarian.

She is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, Steve, her children, Kevin and Laura, her beloved Goldendoodle, Beau, and her siblings, Valen and Victoria.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vanessa’s memory may be made to ALS San Diego or the ALS Association.