Jean Swenson, formerly of Estevan, passed away at Mainprize Manor and Health Centre, Midale on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the age of 95 years. Jean was born on June 27, 1919 on the homestead farm south of Torquay to Simon and Olga Fonstad. Jean married Emil Swenson on September 29, 1942 and moved to Midale where Dad farmed and Mom opened up Jean's Beauty Shop in their home. Beside her hairdressing, she worked alongside Emil with the insurance business and farming. Mom was very active in the church making blankets and quilts for those in need and continued sewing quilts until the time she was hospitalized this year. She was very active in the Souris Valley Antique Association and was curator for many years and also helped serve the first lunches out of a tent trailer. She had a gift of hospitality, the coffee pot was always on and you were always welcome. Jean's memory will be forever cherished by her sons, Kenneth (Barbara) Swenson of Midale, Robert (Diane) Swenson of Calgary, AB and David (Wendy) Swenson of Nampa, AB; grandchildren, Currie (Kathy) Swenson of Midale, Jaelynn (Ron) Hoium of Midale, Tammy (Cory) Swedburg of Cochrane, AB, Lonnie Swenson of Seattle, WA, Curtis (Lana) Swenson of Valleyview, AB and Chris Swenson of Edmonton, AB; great grandchildren, Keegan Schindel (Kaitlin) of Midale, Logan Schindel of Midale, Ryan Swenson, Rylie Swenson and Keisha Swenson, all of Midale, Stephen (Mya) Swedburg, Jessica Swedburg, Taylor Swedburg and Robert Swedburg, all of Cochrane, AB, Colton and Blake Swenson of Valleyview, AB; sister Agnes (Lyle) Peterman of Olds, AB; brother-in-law Peter Miiller of Estevan; sister-in-law Joyce Fonstad of Estevan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Simon and Olga Fonstad; husband Emil Swenson; brothers, Selmer (Dorothy) Fonstad and Martin Fonstad; sisters, Carol (Norman) Mossing and Kathleen Miiller. The funeral service was held on Friday, August 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Midale Baptist Church, Midale, with Pastor Michael White officiating. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. Those wishing to make donations in Jean's memory may do so directly to the Midale Museum or the Midale Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. We would like to thank everyone who helped us celebrate our mom, Jean's life at the funeral on August 1. She touched the hearts of so many in her lifetime and we were touched by yours as you poured out so many acts of kindness. Thank you for the prayer support, your words of comfort, telephone calls, cards, food, running errands, flowers and for sharing your tears with us. Thank you Sandra Holman for playing for the funeral and knowing just what Mom would want to hear. Mom has attended the Midale Baptist Church for most of her life which she considered her "home" church. When Mom lived in Estevan she enjoyed her time at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Thank you to the ladies of the Midale Baptist Church for a beautifully prepared lunch. Thank you to Karen Knox, Marnie Knox, Patti Marcotte, Donna St. Onge, Susie and Ray Moser, Wendy Raynard and Anita Kuntz, accompanied by Ardelle Kuchinka and Corrine Sjodin and Diane Swenson for the special musical numbers. Thank you to Taylor Swedburg for the piano recital. Thank you to Lonnie Swenson and Tammy Swedburg for the beautiful tribute you wrote for Grandma and also to Bob and Dave for the very heartfelt tribute to Mom. We know that Mom/Grandma enjoyed hearing again how she touched our lives and to see her family be a part of her departure from this world to her heavenly home. This was a great privilege for us. Thank you Currie, Lonnie, Curtis, Chris, Ryan and Keegan as you escorted Grandma to her final resting place. Mom/Grandma would be proud of each one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as they have their own personal way of carrying her home. Thank you to Pastor Mike White from the Midale Baptist Church for your support and comforting words at the service. Thank you to the most wonderful, compassionate, caring people that took care of Mom at the Midale Mainprize Manor. You are some of God's special angels and Mom loved you. It's not only a house but you made this place into a warm family home for all the people who live there. Thank you from the Swenson "kids" for always making us feel so welcome as we visited Mom/Grandma at the Manor. Thank you to the Mossing family for all the care you have given to Mom. You have always been there for her in every way and go the extra mile. Thank you to Hall Funeral Services for taking care of all the funeral arrangements. Our family is comforted knowing that Mom is in her eternal home with Dad. Thank you for the memories you have given us - Forever loved, The Swenson Families.
