Obituary for Anna Swayze S.C.
Quietly at her home in Renfrew, Ontario, surrounded by the love of her family, on Friday, March 5, 2021 in her 91st year.
Anna G. Deslaurier Swayze, wife of the late Neil Swayze. Much loved mother of the late Tommy Swayze, Sherrill Swayze, Sheila Swayze and Alanna Emon (Peter). Lovingly remembered by her brother Dan Deslaurier.
Predeceased by her parents Charles and Agnes Deslaurier and her sisters Irene Hunt, Edna Bowes, Mary Sullivan and her brother Jim Deslaurier, and her much loved nephew Gerard Hunt (Kim).
Adored Grannie of Shannon, Aaron, Nathan and Sarah; Jamie, Sherry and Jason; and Lily. Special great Gran of Jasper and Bella Hunt, Talen, Macquire, and Easton Gorman, Kianna and Walker Hunt, Cash and Daysia Swayze. Dear Auntie Ann of many nieces and nephews.
Born in Black Donald, Ontario, in 1930, and Anna was witness to staggering change over the course of her life, but what remained constant was her fighting spirit and caring heart. Throughout her life, Anna found her greatest joys caring for her family, often through her delicious meals. She felt great satisfaction caring for the ill and elderly, and felt particular satisfaction during her work in the craft and activity department of the Bonnechere Manor. Receiving the Star of Courage for Bravery and the Carnegie Medal of Honour were proud moments in her life. She found great joy in her gardens as well, bringing beauty to every place she lived, but loving none more than her little neighbourhood on Renfrew Avenue. Special thanks goes to Dianna and Peggy and all of the kind neighbours who looked out for Anna. You were all very special to her. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Ben Blaine and the nurses who visited Anna at her home.
Memorial Visitation will take place at Zohr Family Funeral Home, 85 Munroe Avenue East, Renfrew on Monday evening from 6-8pm. Due to the new Yellow Colour Code for Renfrew County Covid Restrictions now demand that you book an appointment for visitation by selecting a time slot provided below with the RSVP option for visitation. The usual physical distancing and mandatory masks/face coverings are still needed at the funeral home along with contact tracing and screening questions. People will be able to stand in line at the funeral home as guests cycle through paying respects to the family during this visitation.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday Morning March 9, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Renfrew, if you wish to attend once again please use the RSVP selection below for the Mass time.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Renfrew & District Food Bank in memory of Anna.
Anna wanted us to try not to mourn, because, she said, she would always be with us and the beauty of nature surrounding us.
She wanted this poem shared with all who loved her:
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP,
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW.
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN.
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.
WHEN YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING HUSH,
I AM THE SWIFT, UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLING FLIGHT.
I AM THE SOFT STARLIGHT AT NIGHT.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP.
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP.
Anna G. Deslaurier Swayze, wife of the late Neil Swayze. Much loved mother of the late Tommy Swayze, Sherrill Swayze, Sheila Swayze and Alanna Emon (Peter). Lovingly remembered by her brother Dan Deslaurier.
Predeceased by her parents Charles and Agnes Deslaurier and her sisters Irene Hunt, Edna Bowes, Mary Sullivan and her brother Jim Deslaurier, and her much loved nephew Gerard Hunt (Kim).
Adored Grannie of Shannon, Aaron, Nathan and Sarah; Jamie, Sherry and Jason; and Lily. Special great Gran of Jasper and Bella Hunt, Talen, Macquire, and Easton Gorman, Kianna and Walker Hunt, Cash and Daysia Swayze. Dear Auntie Ann of many nieces and nephews.
Born in Black Donald, Ontario, in 1930, and Anna was witness to staggering change over the course of her life, but what remained constant was her fighting spirit and caring heart. Throughout her life, Anna found her greatest joys caring for her family, often through her delicious meals. She felt great satisfaction caring for the ill and elderly, and felt particular satisfaction during her work in the craft and activity department of the Bonnechere Manor. Receiving the Star of Courage for Bravery and the Carnegie Medal of Honour were proud moments in her life. She found great joy in her gardens as well, bringing beauty to every place she lived, but loving none more than her little neighbourhood on Renfrew Avenue. Special thanks goes to Dianna and Peggy and all of the kind neighbours who looked out for Anna. You were all very special to her. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Ben Blaine and the nurses who visited Anna at her home.
Memorial Visitation will take place at Zohr Family Funeral Home, 85 Munroe Avenue East, Renfrew on Monday evening from 6-8pm. Due to the new Yellow Colour Code for Renfrew County Covid Restrictions now demand that you book an appointment for visitation by selecting a time slot provided below with the RSVP option for visitation. The usual physical distancing and mandatory masks/face coverings are still needed at the funeral home along with contact tracing and screening questions. People will be able to stand in line at the funeral home as guests cycle through paying respects to the family during this visitation.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday Morning March 9, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Renfrew, if you wish to attend once again please use the RSVP selection below for the Mass time.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Renfrew & District Food Bank in memory of Anna.
Anna wanted us to try not to mourn, because, she said, she would always be with us and the beauty of nature surrounding us.
She wanted this poem shared with all who loved her:
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP,
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW.
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN.
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.
WHEN YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING HUSH,
I AM THE SWIFT, UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLING FLIGHT.
I AM THE SOFT STARLIGHT AT NIGHT.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP.
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP.