Obituary of Margaret Mary Swanson

     With great sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Marg Swanson on December 5, 2024. Marg was born on August 9,1931 in Ethelbert, Manitoba to Jack and Mary Ratkowski. In Mom’s younger years she moved with her parents to numerous places in the East and West Kootenays.

In 1954 she moved to Cranbrook and worked for Peter Graham in his law firm. There she met the love of her life Ed Swanson. Mom and Dad married in March 1955 and had three children over the next five years. Mom and Dad had an immense love of the outdoors and wildlife. Hiking, fishing, and camping played a huge role in the family’s life. Countless trips were made to the Bull River cabin.
In the early1970’s Mom and Dad started running and logged over 14,000 miles in 13 years Mom also ran several marathons before marathons were recognized.

Mom did volunteer work with the Girl Guides Association and the Canadian Cancer Society.
When Dad retired, they made numerous trips to Kitimat to salmon fish with close friends. They also enjoyed travelling to Thailand, Barbados, Jamaica, Alaska and many trips to Mexico. Mom loved playing cards with family and friends and spent many evenings in her later years playing solitaire with her daughters.

Mom was a long-time member of her ladies sewing group, where she formed lifelong friendships.
Mom came from a musical family who played numerous instruments. As young girls Mom and her sisters would sing at various functions in the Kootenays. Mom also sang in the United Church Choir for many years.

Mom and Dad were passionate about pets and enjoyed countless years of hiking and walking with them. When Dad had a life changing fall and moved to Joseph Creek, Mom was there to visit every day for eight years until his passing.
The love for her family always came first. Her compassion and care for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her generosity and kindness towards her friends and those who helped and cared for Mom, knew no bounds.

Mom is survived by her children Shane (Rod) Wademan, Karen (Gord Nixon), Ed (Linda) Swanson, grandchildren Allison (Scott), Jeff (Jenn), Danielle (Davey), Cody (Kalee), Kendall (Rob), Nicole (Mike), as well as 14 great grandchildren with the 15th on the way. Mom is also survived by 2 sisters, Lillian Rooks and Doris (Lee Karvonen) and sister -in- law Jessie Swanson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years: Ed Swanson, as well as her parents Jack and Mary, and her brother Rocky.

A private family service will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chesney and the nurses and care aides of palliative care, and the many friends and family who visited mom over the years.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the East Kootenay SPCA in Marg’s memory.