LILLIAN CLARA SWAIN (MERLEVEDE)

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LILLIAN CLARA SWAIN (nee MERLEVEDE) Surrounded by love and family throughout her life, and especially close in her final weeks at home and final hours at Riverview Health Centre, Lillian passed away on July 16, 2013, our father's birthday. She was a cherished mother, grandmother and sister. Lillian was predeceased by her parents Jeanne and Jerome Merlevede, her sister Alice, and her husband Albert. She is remembered and missed by her children Douglas (Liz), Gordon (Gail), Joanne (Glenn) and Robert (Theresa); grandchildren Noel, Rowan, Joshua, Zachary, Michael, Kevin and Nicole; sisters Marguerite and Judy, and nephew David (Linda, great-nephew Robert). Lillian was born on July 1, 1927 on the family farm in Old Kildonan. She loved farm life and all animals, and was moved by any creature that was suffering or in need. Whenever her mother set the mousetraps, Lillian kept a watchful eye on them to rescue any intended victims. Gentleness and kindness were lifelong personal traits. Lillian married Albert on September 25, 1948 and together raised their family of four in Winnipeg and Brandon. Over the years they enjoyed car trips and anything "outdoors" including camping, hiking, skiing, canoeing and bird watching. The Whiteshell was always a favourite destination. Life changed when our father became sick with Alzheimer's. Lillian was devoted to Albert and cared for him for 13 years. After his passing in 1999, her full attention turned to the children and grandchildren (not that it wasn't there before!). There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her family, from child care, dog care, house care and sick care, to attending sports, concerts and performances, to providing rides and lunches for school age kids, tasty baking and suppers, prayers and support. She was simply always there for us. Lillian taught us about kindness, caring, respect, generosity, humility and accepting differences. She took strength in her Catholic faith throughout her life. Although cancer took so much from her in her final six months, she carried on day to day, her desire to be independent never waivered, and she continued to be concerned about the needs and welfare of others. Through it all, we knew we were loved and she knew we loved her. Lillian's life will be celebrated at Mass at St. Gerard Church, 45 Foster St., on Saturday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. A light lunch will follow and then interment at St. Boniface Cemetery. Special thanks to Fr. Greg who supported and ministered to our mother while she was at hospital and at home; to Palliative home care regulars Olivia, Melissa and Christina for their gentle care, the staff of Riverview Health Centre who provided comfort in her final days, and so many friends and colleagues who prayed for our mother during her illness and difficult final weeks. Special thanks to Judy who came all the way from Montana to care for Lillian at home. We couldn't have done it without you! For those who wish to do so, donations can be sent to Agape Table to help people in need, to the Winnipeg Humane Society, or to a charity of their choice. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Jul 20, 2013

LILLIAN CLARA SWAIN (nee MERLEVEDE) Lillian passed away at the Riverview Health Centre on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at the age of 86 years. Longer obituary to follow in Saturday's edition. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Jul 19, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2013