MAUREEN EDNA SWYSTUN (ROGOWSKI)

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MAUREEN EDNA SWYSTUN (nee ROGOWSKI) Peacefully, on Sunday, March 14, 2004, Maureen passed away at the Palliative Care Unit of Riverview Health Centre. Maureen was born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1935. Maureen is survived by her loving children, Pamela, Sandra, Robert and Jeffrey. She is also survived by her sister Alexandra Bako of Toronto; and her brothers, Morley Rogowski of Neepawa and Allan Rogowski of The Pas. Maureen was predeceased by her beloved husband Nestor, in 1993; and her parents, Justine and Nicholas. Following a brief scholastic and journalism career, Maureen married Nestor in 1954, enjoying life together for close to 40 years. Maureen had a great intellectual curiosity. She avidly read books on wide-ranging subjects, able to distil the relevant and interesting points for insightful conversation. Throughout her life, she continued her education taking courses in languages, history, religion and philosophy. All of this served her well in competitive Scrabble, crossword puzzles and a healthy addiction to "Jeopardy". Self taught, Maureen worked on specific real estate and investment projects led by Nestor and continued to successfully manage these and more after his passing. Maureen was an enthusiastic supporter of various churches; clubs including her book and investment clubs and Junior League and Swan associations; and causes ranging from pets to politics. Travel played a significant part in Maureens life. Early expeditions with Nestor to such far-flung places as India, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Australia and Brazil demonstrated their fondness for adventure. In later years, Maureen made her way to China and other destinations to pursue her interest in distant traditions and cultures. A longtime champ on the tennis courts, Maureen played the game with skill and outstanding sportsmanship. Winning was not as important to Maureen as the game itself and the camaraderie. Maureen enjoyed spending summers at Victoria Beach where she was active in social and sporting events and preserving the natural habitat. She loved the sunsets, often rallying others to join her to admire their beauty. Her close companion for 17 years was her dog Bootsie. Ever faithful and endearingly protective, this small dog and her owner made instant friends wherever they went. Maureen will be remembered always as a dignified lady, a wonderful person and an unfailing friend. She was genuinely interested in others and considerate to all. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her and loved her. Many thanks to those persons in the medical profession who helped Maureen during her illness. A private family funeral service will be followed by the interment. Pallbearers will be Robert Swystun, Jeffrey Swystun, Richard Swystun, Mark Rogowski, Louis Bako and James Fields. Please join us to celebrate Maureens life on Thursday, March 18, at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maureens memory to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2004