KATHLEEN MARGARET SWAYZE

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KATHLEEN MARGARET SWAYZE (née HOBBS) Peacefully, Margaret passed away on November 26, 2015, at the age of 95. She is survived by her children, David (Maret), Alan (Carol), and Nan Anderson (Rick); grandchildren, Jonathan (Jenny), Emma (Brent), Daniel (Younglim), Katie (Will), Erin (Tetteh); great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Paolo, Maelee, Amedu and Ruben; cousin, Magnus Bayne; niece Cheryl Hobbs (Riley) and many other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Walter in 2014, her parents, Wilfrid Hobbs and Agnes Bayne, her brother Arthur, and granddaughter Laurie. Margaret was born in North Kildonan in 1920. With her brother Arthur and many cousins, she spent a happy childhood living along the river, close to country fields. Magical summers were spent at Farlane, where she loved to canoe. She grew up with a passion for family, friends, pets, gardens and prairie skies, and a wealth of knowledge of nature. Margaret was an avid reader and an excellent student. She earned a BA from United College. There, in 1946, she met Walter Swayze, a handsome navy veteran and visiting English professor. After a year of daily letters, they were married in June 1947. Their life together was to last 66 years. Margaret and Walter spent their first years in Connecticut and Virginia. In 1954, they returned to Winnipeg to raise their children in Riverview. The family enjoyed a busy life, with memorable camping trips to Toronto to visit the Swayze family. Margaret was a fun and spirited mom, who turned any mishap into a great story. As the children got older, she joined the staff of the U of M library, where she loved the work and friendship. In retirement, she volunteered for CancerCare and she and Walter were able to travel extensively and enjoy their Wildwood home and cottage at Gull Lake. They always had time for their grandchildren and great- grandchildren and spoiled them wonderfully. Margaret was a social being. She loved her family and friends with great energy and was generous and very loyal to all within her ever-broadening circle. She was a wonderful cook and host, and, with Walter, welcomed everyone to their home. They shared a fine sense of humour, and a deep love of literature, theater, music and film. We are so grateful for Mom's unconditional love, strength, determination, exceptional tolerance and willingness to help, and her zany fun. We will always remember and miss her sharp wit, dismissal of convention, delicious butter horns and pecan pie, lively impatience, and dedication to killing any toaster, regardless of its innocence. Thanks to the caring staff at Seine River, Riverwood, the Misericordia and Victoria Hospitals, and especially to her last family of superb caregivers at Pembina Place. Memorial donations can be made to the Margaret and Walter Swayze Bursary at the University of Winnipeg. A memorial service will be held next month, on Friday, January 29, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Avenue. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2015