SWAIN, VERA
Vera Genevieve Swain (Moran), born in Saint John, NB, November 11, 1951, made her journey to heaven surrounded by her husband and soul mate of 42 years, Gerald (Jerry) Douglas Swain, her children, John Swain (Candace), Jennie King (Marty) and Gerald Douglas (Bear) Swain (Stephanie) her grandchildren (Ozzie, Abigail, Genevieve, Alexa, Lola, Sephora and Gerald Douglas III), her sister and best friend, Judianne Luck (Dennis). In true Vera style, we raised our wines glass and toasted her very blessed but short life. We know she will be welcomed by her late parents John Alexander Moran and Marie Louise (Scullin) and late sister, Theresa Marilyn Moran.
Vera was a graduate of Simonds Regional High School and Saint John School of Nursing. She was a smart, witty, honest, and determined woman. From raising a family, to running her own successful business with her husband (Jerry’s Diner Esso), to returning to her passion as a registered nurse where spent many happy nursing years (Aberdeen Hospital, Dawson Memorial Hospital, Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Shannex Parkland, Shannex Ryan Hall) and made many good friends along the way. One of those friends, Sharon Burke-Randles gave her and our family the greatest gift by continuing to care for her at home in her final days. Vera, “Nana”, was never more happy than caring for her seven grandchildren and they will always remember her version of ‘Patty Cake”. It’s a true testament to Vera how many friends and family, in particular her many nieces and nephews, have sent their touching remembrance of Vera. You can’t help but be with Vera and Jerry and know that you are surrounded by a groovy kind of love. We (John, Jennie and Bear) thank you Dad for taking such good care of our Mother and for the two of you teaching us the importance of love and family. Get ready up there for us Mom; we’re looking forward to our next toast! “Go placidly … and remember what peace there may be in silence”. Special thanks to the many friends, family, and St. Joseph’s parish family, who helped and supported Mom on her journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, South Shore Regional Hospital Palliative Care Service, or charity of choice.
Visitation will be held 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 24 and also 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 25 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater Nova Scotia. Funeral Mass will be held 10 A.M., Thursday, March 26 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Bridgewater, Fr. Jim MacDonald officiating with Fr. Michael Walsh assisting. A private family interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Bridgewater.
On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or by messaging condolences@sweenysfuneralhome.com.
Our mothers’ favorite poem closed with “Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” She certainly lived by those words.