SOPHIE MARIE SWEDBERG (BEREZA)

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SOPHIE MARIE SWEDBERG
(nee BEREZA)
February 10, 1933 - June 17, 2020

With heavy hearts, great sadness, and admiration of a life lived with dignity and grace, we announce the peaceful passing of our loving and beloved mother, grandmother, and great friend to us all, Sophie Swedberg, who, at the age of 87, peacefully passed in her sleep in Winnipeg, MB on June 17.
She leaves behind her daughter Lisa, son-in-law Jeff (she may claim he owes her money from the Bombers winning), grandchildren, Jason and Tamara (Scott), brother Victor of Edmonton, sister-in-law Opal of Calgary, and scores of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Dennis Swedberg in 2010.
Sophie was born in Rossburn, MB to John and Mary Bereza, and was the second youngest of eight siblings. She moved to Winnipeg and met her future husband, Dennis, playing darts. They married in 1961 and spent 49 years together. She led an illustrious career as head cashier at Canada Safeway that proudly spanned over four decades until her retirement in 1993. She will be remembered with her beaming smile, sense of style and infectious sense of humour. Even in the last week of her life, Sophie smiled and dispensed sage, often humourous, advice to loved ones.
Her home on Arlington Street, with its beautiful garden, was the place of many gatherings of family and friends over the years. Her true passion, alongside shopping of course, was her family, whose lives she took tremendous interest in - never forgetting a day, an achievement, or an event, ready to help whether it be offering a couch, making chicken soup, or just being there to talk to. She knew how to make everyone laugh, whether it be from a joke she heard, showing us something ridiculous she had recently purchased or teaching a silly song in Ukrainian.
Always the survivor, Sophie out-lived many of her relatives and siblings, consistently beating the odds and thriving despite undergoing many medical procedures. Her golden years at Lion's Place in Winnipeg gave her a new sense of belonging, where she took great pride in decorating her cozy apartment, met many good friends (especially Paul), and enjoyed card nights, puzzles, bingo and various events.
We will never forget her kind, generous spirit. May She Rest In Peace.

As I sail away
Don't weep for me
Just wish me a pleasant journey
And wave good-bye
Loved ones are waiting
With out-stretched arms
On the other side

Due to COVID-19, the family will be holding a small private ceremony in lieu of a service.
Donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2020