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JOANNE SWAIN Obituary pic

JOANNE SWAIN

Born: Dec 25, 1956

Date of Passing: Mar 25, 2019

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JOANNE SWAIN December 25, 1956 - March 25, 2019 Lung cancer has robbed us of our exquisite wife, mother and friend. In her final days we tried impossibly to surround her in as much love as she had given so easily to us. Left heartbroken are, her husband, Glenn, her sons and their wives, Josh and Laura, Zach and Alexi, as well as countless friends and family. Joanne was very grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support and love throughout her fight with her cancer. Joanne was predeceased by her father Albert Swain (1999) and mother Lillian Swain (2013). She was also predeceased by her beloved aunts, Alice Merlevede (1998) and most recently Marguerite Marblehead (2018) to whom she was completely devoted over the past decade. Joanne was born and lived in St. Boniface, spent elementary years in Brandon before returning to live in Winnipeg until her death. She graduated from St. Boniface Diocesan High School and the University of Manitoba, and worked as a school psychologist for the St. James and Winnipeg school divisions for a combined 37 years. She made lifelong friends in each and every stop. If you knew Joanne then you have met an angel. Her quick smile and beautiful blue eyes, and her kindness and generosity to everyone she met was total and complete. She always gave 100% to anything she did be it helping her sons learn to read, caring for her aunts, Sunday children's liturgy, a quiet hello to residents in her aunt's personal care home or interactions with friends and colleagues. She ignored no one. She wanted everyone to be happy and always did what she could to accomplish that end. She loved animals - especially dogs, the lake, camping road trips with the boys, cheering for the underdog, picking blueberries, making and eating blueberry pies and roast beef! When told she should have a bucket list Joanne promptly came up with five of her favourite cakes from five different Winnipeg bakeries. Joanne did not deserve this sudden and terrible illness and we will spend the rest of our lives trying to make sense of it. We are grateful to everyone at CancerCare who tried to help with decisive, timely action-oriented care. Also thanks to the amazing team at W.R.H.A. Palliative Care who made Joanne's final weeks easier to bear. Joanne will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please go out and perform an act of kindness - however small and remember Joanne when you do. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at St. Gerard's Church, 45 Foster Street, on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 30, 2019

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

  • I just wanted to send my condolences to the family. I saw the CTV story about CancerCare today and saw Joanne's picture. I had no idea she had passed. I am so sorry to hear this. Joanne was the person to diagnose my son with Autism. She was a kind and compassionate person who really listened. Educators prior to her just dismissed my son's behavior issues as just that: behavior issues. Joanne fought to get my son a diagnosis so that he could get the help he needed. I will be forever grateful. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Stacey Misko (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2020

  • My condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear of Joanne's passing. I will miss seeing her at church, her warm smile, and her endless generosity! We were Sunday School teachers at the same time, and my father Karl was her helper one year. I taught Zachary in kindergarten. He was a good kid, I enjoyed having him in our class. I too remember how she'd do the stations of the cross and prepare a simple meal for the children. I also remember her doing the children's liturgy and how she'd always bring them treats but have so many left over she would share them with the people at church too! I especially liked the cookies she made! So delicious! She was always so kind and generous; always said hi to me at church and flashed her beautiful smile! You couldn't help but feel happy when she smiled at you! I will miss her dearly, but at the same time I am glad her pain and suffering is over. God indeed has gained another angel! Hugs and prayers - Posted by: karen jurkowski (Fellow parishioner of St. Gerard Parish) on: Apr 26, 2019

  • My deepest sympathies to Glen, Josh, Zach and their wives. Joanne truly was an angel. She always found the goodness in all students and had time to talk to anyone. I enjoyed working with her and learned so much from her. When our paths crossed, Joanne and I would often have conversations about our boys that were a few years apart. She talked about such things as editing university papers, supporting the boys with job hunting and girlfriends. I treasured these times of sharing and always listened carefully as I knew one day these would be things I would be facing and I hoped I could be as loving and supportive as she was with her sons. My wish is that as your pain gradually subsides, you will find joy in your memories of Joanne. - Posted by: Theresa Hyrich (work colleague) on: Apr 09, 2019

  • We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Joanne’s passing. No one could have guessed it was her time to go. What a beautiful person she was! She had a heart of gold! —Always so positive, helpful, kind and giving..... so selfless and very inspiring. This is a huge loss to anyone who knew her as well as to our parish. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. We are grateful to her for the wonderful, ongoing work she did at our parish, especially with the children, even our own. She was always shining the light of Christ to everyone she met. Her dedication to God and all His creation was obvious. She was an amazing catechism teacher, so gifted with children, going above and beyond our expectations. This Easter we will especially remember how Joanne, her husband and sons would prepare the Stations of the Cross and a meal every year on Good Friday for the children and their families. There is no other way to make sense of this except that God has shown Joanne mercy. He has called her back home to live with Him in paradise so that she would suffer no more. We must remember God needs angels, too. Our deepest condolences to all her family left behind. I should hope we will meet again someday, Joanne. Please pray for us all as we are all praying for you. xoxox - Posted by: Arlene and Rocky Burr & family (Fellow parishioners of St. Gerard Parish) on: Apr 07, 2019

  • Joanne - probably the most selfless woman I have ever known. It simply wont register that she is gone, but thinking of the possibility of her joining her Mom is some comfort. What a beautiful soul she was. Happy trails Joanne - may you spread your wings and soar in pure freedom and joy. - Posted by: Elizabeth Mallett (sister-in-law) on: Apr 02, 2019

  • My condolences to Glen and family. So sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. She truly was one of the nicest people I know and always had a moment for a conversation. - Posted by: Barb Bilenky (Work friend Weston School) on: Mar 30, 2019

  • This was written so well. This is Joanne! Heaven has gained an angel for sure. Joanne was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to her family. May your fond memories of her help you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Mary Schmidt (Friend) on: Mar 30, 2019

  • I am so saddened to hear of Joanne's passing . My deep condolences to her family. She was a beautiful lady who always had the most lovely smile on her face. - Posted by: June Pospishell (Work friend from Principal Sparling School) on: Mar 30, 2019

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