Obituary of Ida Swaney

1917 - 2012

Ida passed away peacefully on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 'The Pines' in Kimberley, B.C.. She was the fourth child born to Henry and Susan Besler in Melville, SK on January 5, 1917. She spent most of her early life in southern Saskatchewan. In 1940, she travelled by train to Kimberley, where she married Lyall on November 24, 1940. During WWII, she lived and worked in both Calgary and Vancouver while Lyall served with the RCAF. In 1946, they returned to Kimberley and started their family. Ida loved gardening, family camping and fishing trips and volunteering at 'The Pines'. She also volunteered as a Lutheran church Sunday school teacher, Cub leader and with various activities associated with her sons' minor sports events.

Ida is survived by sons Jack (Coralie), and their children Michael & Katherine of Gibsons, BC, Jerry (Julie) and their children, Laura & Kevin of Port Alberni, BC and granddaughters Jessica & Kimberley of Penticton, BC. She was pre-deceased by her youngest son, Merv, in 2002 and her husband Lyall in 2003. Ida was also predeceased by two brothers and two sisters in the Besler family.

Ida moved from her Kimberley Townsite home of 58 years into Joseph Creek Village in Cranbrook, BC in 2006. In 2008, Ida again moved into 'The Pines' in Kimberley. She will be missed by her former 8th Avenue neighbours, her Lutheran church friends, the residents and staff at 'The Pines' and her extended Family.

A service and 'Celebration of Ida's Life' will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11:00 am, in the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 105 Howard Street, Kimberley, BC. A luncheon and social gathering will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the Family requests that Ida's friends make donations to the local charity of their choice in Ida's memory.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com