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WANDA SWAN
Born: Oct 14, 1920
Date of Passing: Apr 25, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWANDA SWAN
Wanda Swan, a beautiful and amazing woman, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2023, in Ottawa at the age of 102.
Born October 14, 1920 and raised in Winnipeg, she enjoyed a close and loving family with her parents, Julia and George Warecki and siblings, Lucy, Joe, Jules and Stan.
Wanda had a beautiful alto voice and met her husband-to-be Ted Swan when she was part of an all-girl singing group that entertained the Canadian troops heading to Europe in the Second World War. They married when Ted returned in 1945 and settled in Winnipeg. A handsome couple, they were always the first on and last off the dance floor at any event.
By her own description Wanda was a "cock-eyed optimist" and had a zest for life and infectious spirit. She had a deep appreciation for family and friends and made everyone feel special.
Singing was always a big part of Wanda's life. She sang in the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir for almost 40 years as well as the Spirits Call Choir, performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1997. She was also a chorister with Consort Caritatis, conducted by Howard Dyck, and performed in a European tour in 1998.
Wanda remained incredibly active and vital in her latter years. She loved travel and enjoyed many trips with the Winnipeg Friendship Force group well into her 80s. She moved to Ottawa in 2013 to be closer to her daughter Carole and always enjoyed her time with the many friends she made there. She maintained a keen interest in politics into her late 90s and played a mean game of Scrabble past her 100th birthday.
Wanda was predeceased by her husband Ted in 1997. She was a kind and caring mother, mother-in-law and grandmother and will be missed but never forgotten by daughters, Carole (Richard Dicerni) and Susan (Paul Moore), treasured grandsons, Adam Cohen (Natalie Whidden), Graydon Moore (Amber Moore), and Jonathan Moore (Emily Campbell) and great-grandsons, Sam and Theo Cohen.
Many thanks to Abby and Fahima, two kind and caring women who helped our mother in her last years. As per her wishes, she has been cremated and will be interred beside her loving husband Ted in Winnipeg.
To honour and remember the wonderful woman she was, a Celebration of Life will be held in Ottawa at a later date. No flowers please and should you wish to remember Wanda, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in honour of her optimistic spirit.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2023
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I’m sorry. I just saw this tonight My mom was Lucy’s daughter, Gerry Sophone. I’m Karen, Gerry’s daughter I remember going to Winnipeg in the summers when I was young and going to auntie Wanda and uncle Ted’s to visit. I loved going there! Auntie Wanda was such a good hostess and they always put out a good spread of good! So kind and loved to entertain guests. Also Susan and Carole had tons of Barbie stuff! My friend Laurie who still lives in Winnipeg also talks too of how she enjoyed visiting auntie Wanda and uncle Ted . I went to Winnipeg on my own once to visit Laurie and I stopped in to see auntie Wanda with Laurie. Auntie Wanda was a beautiful person and so full of life. I hope you are all doing well. Auntie Wanda lived a nice full life. From fb she still looked so young and vibrant. Your mom was a beautiful lady! - Posted by: Karen ray (Wanda was my moms aunt ) on: Sep 29, 2023
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When I joined Spirit's Call Choir in 2010, one of the choir members suggested I sit beside Wanda. What a treat that was! She was a wonderful woman with a beautiful voice. She patiently helped me stay on track and in tune. During the few years we sang together before she moved to Ottawa we became great friends. I will always remember her fondly. My condolences to all her family. - Posted by: Elizabeth Challis (friend) on: May 01, 2023
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I too worked with Wanda at StatsCan in Winnipeg. Wanda was a bright light, always dressed so sharply and full of grace. BLESS YOU Wanda, you were an inspiration to many. - Posted by: Louise Oakley Kahler (Former co worker) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Condolences to the family. Wanda is the last of a generation of friends of my mother, (Helen Babynec). A life well lived. - Posted by: Ernie Babynec (acquaintance) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Wanda’s passing is another bittersweet moment in my life. She and my mother Jessie Keller were best pals from the moment they met as little girls growing up in Winnipeg, until my mother’s passing in 2014. Wanda was always a presence in my life from childhood and onwards, as a friend often in our house visiting my mom, or on the other end of the phone line as they did the crossword puzzle together. Wanda was my mother’s bridesmaid, her oldest and best friend, and a touchstone to their shared Polish heritage. Condolences to her family. - Posted by: Lisa Keller (Family friend) on: Apr 29, 2023
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Sincerest condolences to Wanda’s family on her passing. I had the pleasure of spending time with Wanda and getting to know her in Winnipeg prior to her move to Ottawa. Such a bright light and always smiling. I hope the great memories of her will bring you smiles and comfort. Carol R - Posted by: Carol Reimer (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2023
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My condolences to the family on your loss! I worked with Wanda at Statistics Canada and she was always cheerful and competent! Wanda was a gorgeous lady and always dressed impeccably but I remember her mostly as a caring and wonderful human being! I am with the Winnipeg Friendship Force now so I can only imagine how much ambassadors from around the world would have enjoyed her company! - Posted by: Carol De Baets (Former coworker at Statistics Canada) on: Apr 29, 2023