NORMA SWAN

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NORMA SWAN (nee COURCHENE) It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Norma (Chigirl) Swan, on April 10, 2017 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg. She was born in Fort Alexander, Manitoba on December 28, 1947, to loving parents Catherine (nee Boubard) and Edward Courchene. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Agnes, who died at two years old; brothers, Norman, Gilbert, Mike and Eric; nephew Christopher Neil; sisters-in-law, Nellie Abraham and Theresa Sinclair; brothers-in-law, Billy John Arkinson and Frank Swan; in-laws, Sarah and George Swan; and son-in-law Harold Bruce. Norma leaves to mourn her passing her loving husband Henry Swan; daughters, Andrea Henderson (Donald), Nicole Swan; her grandchildren, Vanessa, Kala, Evan, Catherine (Booboo), Neepin, Seegun, Eric, Easton, Erin and Shanna; great-grandchildren, Harold, Anna, Matthew, Leland, Jorja Sky, Kyron Zolinski, Alexander (Bubs), Alexa, Barret and Eli. She also leaves her siblings, Wallace, Lorna Twoheart, Richard (Mabel), Ephrem (Josephine), Lena Arkinson, Isabel Bannab, Marge Seymour, Mary (Wilfred), Lila (Terry), Neil (Darlene), Nelson (Doreen), Paul, Sam (Laverne); her in-laws, Alma Edel (Phillip), Linda Courchene, Bernice Courchene and Margaret Bruyere; her auntie Felicity Courchene; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Chigirl worked hard to support her family and many others on their healing journey. With her unconditional love she always showed concern for everybody's well-being. Mom began her healing journey in the 1980s, when she became a Certified Counsellor and Trainer and began to freely share her skills in a loving way for many who were struggling with loss, addictions, grief and many other challenges. She was always available for those who came to her for support. Even when her health started to fail, she still managed to go visit and check on many of her family members and friends. She truly kept the tradition of visiting friends and family alive. Her heart was so full of love, kindness, and gentleness and this is what many of us are going to miss; however, mom is now in a beautiful, loving place with Jesus and her family who went before her. Pallbearers are Sam Courchene, Nelson Courchene, Paul Courchene, Evan Courchene, Preston Courchene, Evan Swan, Seegun Bruce, and Catherine Swan. Honorary pallbearers will be all in attendance. Wake services will be held at the Swan Residence, 356 North Shore Road, Sagkeeng First Nation on Thursday, April 13, 2017 (7:00 p.m.) with the funeral service on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Funeral arrangements entrusted to: Rock Fontaine Funeral Director Honour - Respect Dignity (204) 223-2576 or toll free 1 (866) 499-2601

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2017