MARGARET GWENDOLYN SWANCAR

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MARGARET GWENDOLYN SWANCAR Margaret Gwendolyn Swancar born July 11, 1930 to the late James Francis and Grace Louise Austen died on September 7, 2014. Gwen attended Kelvin High School, United College, and graduated as a registered nurse from the Winnipeg Children's Hospital in 1951 followed by post-graduate work at the Children's Medical Center, Boston, MA. Upon her return to Winnipeg, Gwen became the nursing supervisor of the Emergency and Outpatient clinic at Children's Hospital. Following her marriage to David L. Swancar, Gwen served with the Victorian Order of Nurses. In 1957 Gwen moved with husband Dave to Kenora, ON and following the birth of their first child she quickly became an active community member. Gwen's gracious spirit and active volunteer work has touched many lives. Gwen was a recipient of an Ontario Volunteer Service Award in recognition of 15 years of service for the generous time she had given. Gwen served as an elected member of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Board for 11 years and was appointed to the Northwestern District Health Unit Board of Directors for three terms. She was an active member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as a mentor for many years. Among her numerous roles Gwen in turn had served as President of the Lionelles Club, Hospital Auxiliary, the Kenora Ladies Golf and Curling clubs. In 1976 Gwen successfully completed the Registered Nurse refresher course and after her husband's death in 1982 Gwen returned to part time nursing in community health care including working for District Veterans Affairs. She went on to complete the very first Palliative Care volunteer course in 1994 and continued serving with that program until just a few years ago. Gwen often stated that this program was one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences of all her endeavours. Gwen was a warm and friendly person with a unique laugh, kind smile and wonderful sense of humour. She enjoyed playing bridge, and in younger years, golfing and curling. Gwen was also fond of spending time with a group of very special friends in book club, and her dearest friend Lorna McTaggart. Gwen is survived by son Paul (Carol Kilpatrick), (Leslie Scribilo), the mother of granddaughters Raelle (Al) Gagnon, Kaila Swancar (Riel Beauchemin), great-grandson Conner Beauchemin; son Neal (Marcia Van Voorene), granddaughters Vanessa, Hayley; daughter Lou (Val Patterson); daughter Laura (Ross Johnston), grandchildren Aidan, Charlotte; former sister-in-law Marjoire MacIver mother of nieces Cathie Austen (Larry Rudniski), Val Austen-Wiebe (Myron Wiebe), Sherri Austen (Neil Davis), Tracy (Terry) Wasylak and their families; sister-in-law Jean (Robert) King, nephews John (Jane) King, Paul King (Patrick Ng), niece Alyson (Karl) Driedger and their families; sister-in-law Dorothy Greenwood, niece Nancy Greenwood, nephew Douglas Greenwood and their families. Predeceased by husband David L. Swancar; brother Jeffrey B. Austen; daughter-in-law Lisa M. Swancar; nephew Douglas B. Austen, and parents-in-law Joseph E. and Mabel A. Swancar. "I must go in, the fog is rising." Last words, Emily Dickinson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memoriam to the Kenora Palliative Care Volunteer Program (c/o Norma Horrocks, Pinecrest Home for the Aged, 1220 Valley Drive, Kenora, ON P9N 2W7) or to the First Presbyterian Church of Kenora (200 Fifth Avenue South, Kenora, ON P9N 2A4). Special thanks to Dr. Workman for his excellent care throughout the years, the nurses and staff on 3 East and ICU, the rehab staff, ECG and radiology staff, also Dr. Steve, Dr. Sweeney, Dr. Vaudry and Respiratory Therapists Brent Dion and Lori Laffin; Jan Landsiedel and Norma Horrocks from Palliative Care Services and Volunteer Program. A Service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 429 Second Street South, Kenora, ON with reception to follow at Knox United Church, corner of Second Street South and Fifth Avenue South. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 11, 2014