(Jan)
July 19, 1924 - Nov. 12, 2011
Edna passed away peacefully on November 12, 2011 at the Waverly in Chilliwack at the age of 87 years. Edna Marie Janzen was born in Hamberg Russia, the 7th of 10 children. The family emigrated to Canada from Russia in difficult times eventually settling in Rosemary Alberta. She was the first in the family to graduate Grade 12 (Rosthern, Sask.) and go on to post-secondary education. She graduated from nursing school in Medicine Hat Alberta in 1946 and worked at the Brooks General Hospital. In the late 1940’s Edna moved to Chilliwack and it was here that she met and married her husband, Fred Swinnard, in 1953. Sons David and Peter followed and the family spent the next 10 years travelling with the Canadian Army. The last posting was to Chilliwack where Fred retired. Edna continued to work in the O.R. at the Chilliwack General Hospital, where she was very well known for her baking, until her retirement in 1984. Edna spent her post retirement years spoiling her grandchildren and visiting Hawaii.
Edna is lovingly remembered by her children David (Keli) and Peter (Karen); 4 grandchildren, Lisa, Alex (Lina), Stefanie (Daniel) and Jonathan; and a brother, George. She is predeceased by her husband Fred in 1997, 4 sisters and 4 brothers.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at Eden Mennonite Church, 46551 Chilliwack Central Rd, Chilliwack with Pastor Rob Brown officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Edna’s name to the Mennonite Central Committee or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Very special heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Waverly Seniors Village for the extra special care they gave to mom over the last few years. You are a very special group of people.