02/06/2026
Please join us as we celebrate Dr. Gwendolyn Sue Steffen life. Hor d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided.
Celebration of Life
February 27, 2026 | 7-11 pm
Highland Country Club (third floor)
931 Alexandria Pike
Ft. Thomas, KY 41075
Dr. Gwendolyn Sue Steffen, DVM, aged 53, peacefully passed into her next life unexpectedly on January 18, 2026, just a few days after her birthday. Dr. Steffen, known as Gwen to family and friends, leaves the legacy of what can only be described as a life best lived. Her life was filled with tireless devotion to the practice of veterinary medicine, philanthropic fundraising for animal welfare (particularly feline care), and dedication to the movement arts. Receiving multiple accolades throughout her career, which spanned over multiple decades, Gwen received her first recognition of Outstanding Soft Tissue Surgery award while attending Ross Veterinary School. Even with this outstanding achievement, Gwen saw a missing link between traditional veterinary medicine and patient outcomes, and determined to address the whole patient, and incorporate holistic modalities into her practice upon graduation. This dedication to the holistic approach to veterinary medicine yielded Gwen as the only veterinarian in the United States that was certified in Chir + Kinesiology and the 4th veterinarian in the United States to be authorized to use the Magnesphere. She was the first Level II Reiki Therapist for animals in the area and incorporated both complex traditional medical interventions and holistic treatments for the best outcome for her patients.
Her love of animals expanded beyond the neediest felines and canines; Gwen was introduced to a strong love of horses with her first horse, Cricket, as a child. As she stared into adulthood, she met the match for her tenacious spirit, in a jet black foal that she assisted in birthing; so excited for a stark black horse, she named him Danny, and together, they embarked on life's adult journey together, with him turning into a spotted white horse in adulthood.
Gwen had a passion for the neediest of needy animals and through the tragedy of loss of her beloved special-needs cat, "Blu", founded the Blu Cat Benefit in 2009, where proceeds benefited local no-kill, non-profit animal rescues. Outside of her own philanthropic work for others, Gwen owned multiple special-needs felines, fostered cats for adoption, provided veterinary services for the Annual Canine Corps Health Clinic for multiple years. Expanding beyond felines and canines, Gwen also found time to briefly serve with the WAVE Foundation.
Gwen's strong spirit, sharp mind, independence, and determination mixed with pure grit opened Companion Animal Medical Centre in 2013, her life's dream, offering treatments that no other veterinary provider could offer. Gwen served tirelessly, often putting her needs last-she would sit with sick animals overnight so they were not alone and on her "off-time" would check-in with clients for status updates on her patients.
Outside of the clinic and successful professional endeavors, Gwen lived life to the fullest, learning and/or teaching belly dance, poi spinning, yoga, nia, and meeting a variety of people and ever expanding her outreach. Throughout her life, she met and mentored a variety of individuals, creating her lasting imprint on the lives of those around her both near and far.
Gwen is survived by both her mother and father, Sharley Rose and Ronald R Steffen, her siblings, Ronnie Paul, Shelly Ann, Darla Renee, and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her niece and nephew, Danielle and Jacob, dear friend, Aaron, and multiple pets that were waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.
The family will have a Celebration of Life at a future date; this will be announced on Facebook. The family asks in lieu of flowers or food, please donate to Cleos Legacy (cleoslegacy.org) or your choice of animal-care facilities, in memory of our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and veterinarian.
Condolences may be sent to https://www.mooreandparkerfh.com/obituaries/Dr-Gwendolyn-Steffen-DVM?obId=47063223
