Obituary of GENEVIEVE MARIE SWERHONE

GENEVIEVE MARIE SWERHONE (nee Miller)
March 9, 1931 – November 18, 2021.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the recent passing of our beloved mother, Genevieve Swerhone in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Predeceased by her loving husband Peter, her sister Mary MacDonald and her brother Cyril Miller. Gen leaves behind her children Lorna (Niels Giddins), Danielle, Michelle (Gerry Hagglund), Edward (Christine Finlay), and Patricia (Tami Waters) along with her three grandsons Daniel Hagglund, Jack and Nicholas Swerhone. She is survived by her brother Edward Miller (Jean) and sister Patricia Rauch (Ken).

Gen was born in 1931 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan as the first born to Edward and Mary Miller (Becker).

Gen chose nursing as a career and graduated from the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing where she was class valedictorian. In her early career she worked at several rural hospitals throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. Our mother loved working with people and the highlights of her nursing career included working with polio survivors and assisting on early surgical interventions to fuse spines.

When working in Canora, Saskatchewan she met Peter, they married in 1956, lived briefly in North Battleford until 1958 before establishing themselves in Winnipeg.

Gen returned to nursing some 20 years after being at home to raise her 5 children, having bravely returned to school to upgrade her credentials and then taking a position at the Holy Family Nursing Home.

Gen was a devout Catholic and a dedicated volunteer in her community in many capacities. Family was very important. Whether at home in Winnipeg or summers at the family cottage at Victoria Beach, she juggled the demands of Peter’s career and 5 busy kids but still managed to get us to have dinner together every night. Together our parents travelled extensively, but her favorite trip was going to Rome and in particular the Vatican.  She was able to touch Stonehenge in England and kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland.

Gen had many skills, including cooking, but was a true artisan with needlework and had a particular passion for quilting. She was a patient and soft-spoken mother who loved her family.  She was by nature profoundly shy but that is never to be confused with not having an opinion.  She has left a hole in our hearts and our family shall continue to be guided by her even in her passing.

Our family would like to thank all the caring staff at Brightwater Senior Living for the excellent care they provide Genevieve over the last few years. 

As per Gen’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made the charity of your choice.