SARAH (SALLY) MARGARET SWYSTON (EVANS)

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SARAH (SALLY) MARGARET SWYSTON (Nee EVANS) With broken hearts, we sadly announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Sally Swyston, on Saturday, February 12, 2011. She will be greatly missed by her family, son Gary (Carol) Swyston, daughters Shirley (Richard) Sokol and Diane (Ron) Bleecker. Sally also leaves to mourn her passing her beloved grandchildren, Tammy (Brian) Budzan, Kris-Ann (James) Crawford, Christy Sokol-Brown (Kevin Brown), Cory Sokol (Monica), Tyler Bleecker and Shayla Bleecker, and her special great-grandson, Halen Budzan. We are saddened that Mom won't be here to welcome her second great-grandchild in early spring. Sally was predeceased by her loving husband, Wally, her parents Lucy and William Evans, sisters Mary, Edna and Theresa, brothers James, Patrick, John, and Leonard and her mother and father-in-law, Anne and William Swystun. Mom was born in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland. She met the love of her life, Wally, while he was serving during the war with the Royal Canadian Navy. After a brief courtship, Mom and Dad were married in St. John's in 1945 and then began their lives in Winnipeg, where they raised three children. Even though Mom was far from her birthplace, she never quite lost her Newfie' accent. Mom looked after all of us, as well as working for a time in sales at the Bay. She will always be remembered for her delicious Christmas fruit cake, perogies, holubchi, perishke and dill pickles; skills she learned from her Ukrainian mother-in-law. Mom was an avid football fan and she was always glued to the TV when the Bombers were playing. Knitting was one of her hobbies and each grandchild received a beautiful knitted shawl upon their births. Mom loved each of us unconditionally and was always supportive in everything we did, whether it was in the form of babysitting, providing food for family dinners or listening to our joys and problems. Mom and Dad were known for their long strolls throughout all parts of Winnipeg. In their later years, they made many trips to Hawaii, Jamaica and Mexico, but Hawaii was always their favourite spot. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Dad's passing. Two and a half years ago, Mom moved from the family home in Elmwood, to begin a new chapter in her life. She was happy participating in many events and meeting new people at her apartment in Concordia Village. Mom truly appreciated the efforts provided by the friendly staff and new friends in making her feel at home. Mom loved to laugh and joke with others and she will always be remembered for her love of life. Her passing will leave an enormous hole in our hearts but we are comforted to know that Mom and Dad are walking hand in hand once again. A private family gathering will be held to honour Mom's memory. If so desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2011