Edith M. Swan

On August 24, 2022 in Winnipeg, Edith Swan passed away peacefully at age 93. Edie is survived by her sons Sheldon (Debbie), Robert, and Richard (Sarah), her grandchildren Gabrielle, Jillian (Alain), Hilary and Ben, step-grandchildren Lyndsay and Scott (Sarah), and many much-loved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ronald in 2010, her parents Peter and Frances Klips, her sister Helen and Helen's husband Perry Kelly, and her infant son Blaine in 1956.

Edie was a thoughtful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and a proud Winnipegger. She enjoyed a rewarding and full life and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Edie was born in her grandparents' home in North Winnipeg in June 1929 and grew up nearby with her parents and older sister Helen. Edie attended Ralph Brown, Michael Faraday and Isaac Newton schools, graduating in 1945. As a young woman, she worked at the Canadian Wheat Board. In 1950 Edie met Ron while attending a wedding at the Marlborough Hotel, and they married in October 1951. For the next sixty years there was rarely a day when they were apart. They were a beautiful example of what it meant to be a loving and mutually respectful couple.

Edie and Ron moved to St. Vital in 1951, and lived in the Kingswood, Parkville and River Pointe neighborhoods over the next six decades. Beginning in 1954 the family expanded to include their sons, and both parents were happily involved in all of the varied activities that Sheldon, Rob and Richard pursued, from science fairs and hockey to sailing, motorbikes and model airplanes. When Ron started his own business in the automotive service trade in 1960, Edie was an integral part of it, including as the bookkeeper and "paymaster" for scores of employees over almost 30 years.

Edie and Ron particularly enjoyed their vacations with family and friends, initially camping road trips throughout the west, and from 1971 with family at their cottage near Lac du Bonnet, alongside the neighboring cottages of Edie's parents and her sister Helen and brother-in-law Perry and their children, Terry, Norman and Sheilagh. Many of Edie and Ron's fondest memories were from their time at their cottage, fishing, gardening and enjoying meals and conversation with family and friends.

After Edie and Ron retired in 1987, they actively went about learning new languages, volunteering in the community, tracing their family histories, and travelling, including two memorable trips to Europe to visit long-lost relatives. They also greatly enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren as they arrived.

Edie's attention shifted in 2005 when Ron was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. She became a devoted and tireless caregiver, humbly giving all of her love and support to allow Ron to live at their home until shortly before his passing in 2010. Edie deeply missed Ron, but carried on with energy and determination. She sailed on Sheldon and Debbie’s sailboats and enjoyed several trips and cruises with them to San Diego, the Caribbean and Mexico, voyaged with Rob on an Alaskan cruise and enjoyed watching sports with him, and travelled often to Toronto to visit with Richard, Sarah and family and cheer on their sporting and other pursuits.

In 2019 Edie moved to Brightwater Senior Living, where she was known to her fellow residents, dedicated caregivers and thoughtful staff as the most enthusiastic fan of both the Jets and the Bombers, and she was overjoyed when her football team finally won a pair of Grey Cups. Alas, in the end, with her mind as sharp as ever, her body had grown fragile and tired and she was ready to join Ron, Blaine, Helen and her parents. Happily, Edie was able to spend her last weekend at her beloved cottage with her family, just a few days before she passed.

A memorial service to remember Edie will be held at Thomson "In the Park", 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Tuesday September 6 at 10:00 am.

We will always carry your memory in our hearts

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the SWAN family.