CAROLE MARGARET ARMSTRONG-SWAIN

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CAROLE MARGARET ARMSTRONG-SWAIN July 6, 1942 - November 5, 2017 It is with profound sadness, blended with a conflicted sense of relief, that we announce the passing of our mom at Riverview Health Centre. Carole leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Larry, children Wayne (Marcy), Rob, Bryan (Melanie), and her treasured granddaughter Wynne. Also her stepdaughter Alana (Grant), brother Garry (Terry), niece Melly, and nephew Jeffrey (Jennie), as well as many good friends and her extended family; Angie Berg, cousin Dianne (Brian), Corrie and Joe Lapieszo and their children, Lukas, Hanna and Nathan. The daughter of Angela Mary and Henry Charles Barnes, Mom was born July 6, 1942 at the Women's Pavilion in Winnipeg. Tragically at the age of two, Mom lost her father to an aneurysm and she and her pregnant mother were left to make their way in the world. With the help of a large and loving family, Mom and Garry grew up in the Charleswood area enjoying the farm life and the company of many cousins, some of whom remained among her best friends through to the end of life. Carole married Wally Armstrong in 1963 and had three boys. In 1981 and now acting as a single parent, Mom got back into the workforce in retail and administrative positions until she landed a great job with the DMVB. There she made many great friends and through these friendships was introduced to a handsome bachelor, Larry Swain. In 2004 Mom and Larry tied the knot and the extended family became quick friends adding much joy and happiness to the clan. In 2001 Carole "finally" became a grandmother and she and Wynne shared many stories and treasured moments that brought true joy to both of them. Among their many common interests, music was the most celebrated. It was really important to Grandma that Wynne was exposed to as much musical culture as possible. The family travelled to see many Jimmy Buffett shows throughout the States and wore the parrot head colours proudly. Throughout her life and in retirement Mom found great joy as an enthusiastic sports fan. She volunteered with the Blue Bombers and was eventually hired into the reception group and continued into the new stadium where she worked with the great staff and enjoyed the day to day with players and coaches alike. She was a long time Bomber season ticket holder and regularly celebrated the addition of the Jets 2.0. We enjoyed a great outing this year when we travelled to Toronto to see a Blue Jays game. Mom was rarely seen without her Donaldson Jersey for the months to follow. The celebration of Mom's 75th birthday this summer at the lake with friends and family was a welcomed distraction between chemotherapy treatments. For the last number of years the family didn't miss many Sunday dinners and the bond created through this weekly ritual will be among the many everlasting and cherished memories. We will all miss the soft and loving hand on the side of our face which instantly brought relief to our well-being. We thank the caregivers at Riverview 3 East who brought comfort when we could no longer effectively provide what Mom needed. Celebration of Mom's life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Chapel, 4000 Portage at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Never Alone Foundation, PO Box 51064, RPO Tyndall, Winnipeg, MB R2X 3C6. 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 Nov 08, 2017