Margaret Florence Swistun

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret Florence (Hines) Swistun of Coxheath (formerly of Whitney Pier) on October 12, 2016. Florence passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

Florence was born in Reserve Mines on December 23, 1928 to Wallace and Jean (Lorway) Hines. She was married to Roderick “Roddie” Swistun on October 26, 1950 and spent her married life in Whitney Pier. When reflecting on her life, we have always been in awe of her. She was a hard working mother of two who devoted her life to taking care of those around her. She worked as a waitress employed at Zellers until her retirement in 1985. She was a devoted and loyal caregiver to her mother-in-law, her mother, and to her husband through their illnesses and until the end of their lives. Following the passing of her husband, she moved to Coxheath with her daughter Catherine “Kaye” Swistun-Bushell, son-in-law, Peter and granddaughter, Emily. She lived an active, joyful life there for the past 11 years.

Florence was an avid reader who enjoyed to crochet, bake, and complete crossword puzzles. She also loved going out for lunch, visiting with her friends Ruth, Katie, and Gail and spending time with the family dog Oliver. In her earlier years, she loved dancing and cooking. She invested herself in her volunteer work with the Ukrainian Womens’ Club which was very meaningful to her. Florence was a strong, active woman with a wonderful sense of humour and great dignity.

Her pride and joy were her children - Catherine “Kaye” Swistun-Bushell and Roderick “Roddie” Swistun Jr. and her grandchildren - Stacy Swistun, Emily Bushell, and Peter Swistun. She was deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and celebrated, with great joy, their every accomplishment. Florence’s family was her life.

Florence is predeceased by her husband Roderick, sister Anna Dobbin, brother in-laws, Francis Barron and Bob Bondy, and her sister Mary, in infancy. She is also predeceased by her nephew Wally Dobbin.

She is survived by sisters Jean Barron and Dorothy Bondy; brother, Ambrose and his wife Shirley; her brother-in-law Ben Dobbin; sister in law, Jean Swistun; her daughter in law, Donna Swistun; several nieces and nephews.

We, the family, would like to extend our gratitude to the friends and extended family who came together with love, support, and comfort. A special thanks to Nickie Magis and to Father Roman for being with her in her time of need. Florence’s family would like to express special appreciation to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff who showed extraordinary kindness.

Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 17 at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church, followed by a luncheon and a private family interment.

Donations can be made in her memory to Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church fund.

Online condolences may be made to Florence’s family by visiting www.twcurry.com