SILVA KALTENBERGER (CARSWELL)

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SILVA KALTENBERGER (CARSWELL)

With comfort and care and family by her side, Silva passed away listening to her favourite singer Nana Mouskouri.

Mom is mourned by her children, Brian and Sheila, Shelley and Floyd, Mark and Laura; her grandchildren, Brian and Jessica, Ashley and Sean, Nicci and Mark, Kaci and Kent, Jay and Jahnai, Cortney and Andrew; her great-grandchildren, Cory, Hannah, Rachel, Claire, Marlies, Rylan, Everly, Harris, Noah, Karsen, Taliyah, Madisyn; her sisters, Britta and James, and Ingrid and Jerry. Silva was a protective big sister to Britta and Ingrid and loved their children. She enjoyed the friendship and support of her Swanenburg siblings from Holland, especially later in life. Silva is predeceased by her husbands, Brian F. Kaltenberger and Ken Carswell, parents, Gerardina Buhr and Jacobus Swanenburg.

Born in Amsterdam, Mom always had a Dutch, European "flare". She had a colourful, feisty personality. Mom loved to shop and grow all things green. Her flowers and yards gave joy to many people and won awards. Mom had no trouble sharing her opinions and usually thought her’s were the right ones. Like her mother before her, Mom moved many times, decorating each home with a unique flare, regardless of budget. Throughout her life, all cats and dogs Mom loved were very special to her and gave her a sense of comfort and joy. The pets only received the best of food and care. Silva worked hard at a variety of jobs including A & W, KFC (mentioning many times she and her son got to meet Colonel Sanders), Whitemouth School, A.E.C.L. Mom’s working career ended with the Manitoba Government.

Silva was married for 39 plus years to Brian Fredrick Kaltenberger. They were married very young and raised their three children in the Whitemouth area. After being widowed, Silva met Ken and enjoyed the "sparkle" this added to her life and was deeply affected by the suddenness of Ken's death. Gramma Silva developed a unique relationship with each grandchild, remembering each birthday and was very protective of all. Gramma was a "looker" and "stood out" among the other grammas and gifted her grandchildren with fashionable outfits. Silva loved being a Great-Oma and each new arrival was met with joy, cuddles and lots of presents. Silva spoke openly about her challenges with depression and anxiety, and was fiercely protective of anyone having similar difficulties or any struggles in life. She never forgot her early adult years of financial difficulties and donations to Christmas hampers were a priority. Our presents under the Christmas tree were so numerous that it filled the room. Christmas was an abundance of gift giving and food with family.

A big thank you to all the staff at Whitemouth Personal Care Home. You were very caring and supportive in our last weeks with Mom.

A Celebration of Life will be held with close family and friends.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2025