Pamela Mary Swaine (nee Taylor)
With heavy hearts we announce Pamela Swaine passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 96 years.
Lovingly remembered by her children Alan (Terry) of Ottawa, ON and John (Glenda) of Portage la Prairie, MB; grandchildren Gregory Swaine (Kait), Lauren Berrigan (Tom), Mariah Swaine (Luke), Katarina Swaine (Tyler) and Levi Swaine; great-grandchildren Jasper Berrigan, Ivy Berrigan, Lily Swaine and Grace Swaine; brother Colin (Lorraine) Taylor; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Eric Gregory (2018), infant daughter Valerie (1958), son Eric Stanley “Ricky” (2007) and parents Leslie and Mildred Taylor.
Pamela was born on October 12, 1928 in Liverpool, England, then moved to Winnipeg with her parents in March of 1938. She received her education at Queenston School and Robert H. Smith School. In 1942 they moved to St. Lambert, near Montreal where she graduated from St. Lambert High School in 1946. She went on to post-secondary education at Macdonald College of McGill University and graduated in 1950, with a Bachelor of Science Home Economics. She started her career with a 1 year Dietetic Intern Training at the Montreal General Hospital. In 1951 she married Eric Swaine, and they moved to Sudbury, ON for 16 years, then moving to Toronto where Eric joined Campbell Soup Company. An opportunity within the company made them move to Portage la Prairie in 1969. Pamela worked as a Library Aide at Prince Charles School from 1975-1988.
Pamela was very involved in the communities she lived in and volunteered many hours. She was a member of C.F.U.W. (Canadian Federation University Women) since 1952 and was president of the local Club. Pamela served many years for the national ARC Association and later service on the board of Portage Arc Industries from 1970-1989, including a year as chair. She was also on various other community clubs such as Portage Curling Club, Portage Golf Club (president of Ladies Club 1991-1993) and Meals on Wheels. Pamela was always connected to the Anglican Church over a span of 60 years, serving on Altar Guild in parishes in Sudbury, ON, Brampton, ON and Portage la Prairie, MB. She was a long-time member of the St. Mary’s Anglican Church for many years, helping out in various ways.
In her retirement, along with Eric they wintered in Texas for 14 years. They also took trips to various destinations in England, Europe and the USA. She had a special group of friends that she enjoyed walking with since 1989 called the “Walking Girls”. Pamela also enjoyed attending Bridge Clubs and card games with friends. In her spare time she loved to knit and make afghans for her children and grandchildren. She also made comfort dolls and infant hats which she donated to St. Mary’s Anglican Church and MCC.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lions Prairie Manor for their care and compassion.
A memorial service will be planned in the new year at St. Mary’s Anglican Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pamela’s memory to St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36-2nd St. SW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2A1 or to a charity of choice.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.