Aldyth May Swainson passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday September 20, 2022. Predeceased by her husband Neil, Aldyth is survived by sons John (Linda), Neil (Anna), Andrew (Laura) and Donald(Tracy) as well as 8 grandchildren (Alexa, Ian, Erica, Harry, Rachel, Luca, Katherine and Alexander) and 6 great grandchildren (Lucas, Charlie, Vivien, Audrey, Emilia and Isla).
Born on December 4, 1923 in Golden BC, Aldyth was the first in her family to go to university (UBC), and went on to do graduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. She started her teaching career in Prince George before coming to Victoria, where she met and married Neil in 1953. Over the years she was an active French teacher, as well as a wife and mother. A member of First Metropolitan United Church, she also served on the board of Norfolk House School, and was for many years a member of PEO. She did it all with great dignity, humour and tireless energy. A lifelong Francophile, she loved teaching and speaking French, her main regret in life being that little of her skills with languages rubbed off on her children.
Great thanks go out to all the caregivers, friends and family members who helped her stay in her home as she aged.
While she was physically frail in her later years, Mom never lost her keen intellect, her love of books and reading and her love of her family. She will be deeply missed.
Condolences may be offered to the family at
McCall Gardens
WWW.mccallgardens.com
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Brian Forbes Colgate
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David Bassett The Bassett Family offers their condolences to the Swainson Famiy. Aldyth was a life long friend of Norma and Jim Bassett. Norma was very sad to hear of the passing of her dear friend and walking partner. She will be missed by many people, however Neil will be happy to be with her again.
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aldyth hunter Saddened to learn that Aldyth had died. I knew of her many activities in Victoria. My activities were different so our paths did not cross. My mother and Aldyth’s mother were friends in railroad times in Revelstoke and Golden days. Your mother contributed to our community in many ways and you can be very proud of her.
Aldyth Hunter, daughter of Aldyth Campbell, Carlton house
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Liz Richardson ( with Robin) Our sincere heartfelt condolences to Lulla’s family on her quiet passing. I have so many wonderful memories since our first meeting, doing her hair in the early 1990’s! We shared so many stories ,and with her intelligent and lovely way listening to my stories. It has been a joy to know her and Neil, to hear their history and know that every single one of her family were her pride and joy ♥️ Our very regular visits faded in the last few years because of Covid but I could pick up the phone and have a newsworthy chat any day. She was a unique and very special soul, who I will miss very much.
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Ann Maffey My condolences to all members of the Swainson family on the death of their matriarch Aldyth.
I knew Aldyth through First Metropolitan United Church.
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Daryl Jones My deepest condolences to Neil and other members of the Swainson family. I have many fond memories of visiting your home on Beach Drive.
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Cathy Mitro My deepest condolences to my good friends Neil, Anna and Luca and the larger Swainson family. My thoughts are with all of you in your time of loss. Much love, Cathy Mitro.
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Brenda Simeoni I was sorry to hear of Lulla’s passing. I have known Lulla since I was a small child. My father Geoffrey Mason was on the faculty at UVIC with Neil and Neil and Lulla frequently attended parties at our home. Although in a different Chapter (Y) my mother Freda was also a longterm member of PEO. When I finally joined the sisterhood you can imagine my delight finding so many of my mother’s friends in Chapter AJ. The women were like aunties to me and I enjoyed their stories of not only my mother Freda but also those that included my father and at times my grandmother. Lulla was no exception. During the years spent in AJ, I came to further appreciate what a kind, caring and intelligent woman she was and enjoyed our talks and cups of tea together. She was a wonderful hostess and as someone mentioned always up to date on current happenings. I will always remember to “never skimp on butter when making shortbread.” I, too, am pleased she was able to remain at home. Rest in peace dear Lulla. May you join Neil and other family members, and your PEO sisters that await you in Chapter Eternal.
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Joan Mason My condolences on the death of Aldyth. I knew her through First Metropolitan United Church. She always asked me about my hometown Summerland, where she had stayed with Don and Dorothy Fisher. She shared happy memories of her time there. COVID meant that she was not in the pews for the last couple of years. She will be missed by many at the church.
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Don Highsted We are saddened to learn of Aldyths passing. She was a PEO sister to my my mother Edie, and a bridge partner to my father Carl and Edie. She was a down the street neighbour when my wife and I moved to Oak Bay. I will miss my visits for tea and our phone calls. She always had keen knowledge of current affairs. and was a pleasure to be with. A person who despite her challenges of the last few years maintained a sense of humour and a positive attitude.
Condolences from Don,Kim,and Kelsey Highsted
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Louisa Ridge My deepest most heartfelt condolences are with the Swainson family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lulla was very dear to me and I will really miss her. With love and sympathy, Louisa and family xo
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Louise Smith My condolences on the death of Lulla. I am Paul Smith’s daughter. Neil and Paul were best men at each other’s weddings. I saw Lulla many times over the years and she was always so kind and so interested. She and my aunt Winsome were great friends. I’m happy to see that Lulla was able to stay in her home.
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Fred Fowler Swainsons.
We are saddened by Aunt Lulla’s passing. She is the uncontested longevity champion. May we all be so fortunate. What an inspiration.She was proud of her family and rightly so .
Love from Shirley and Fred
May I offer my belated condolences to all of you in the loss of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I was a student of Neil in the mid-1970s and corresponded with Aldyth after Neil’s passing. They were both the best of people and I pray that they are enjoying one another’s company again.
Blessings to you all.
Brian