Obituary of SWYSTUN – Doris Catherine

November 8, 1923 – December 27, 2010 Our beloved mother, sister, and wife, Doris Catherine Swystun (née Sutherland) passed away on Monday, December 27, 2010 at the age of 87, surrounded by her husband of fifty-four years, Gus; children, Gail (Raj Abbi), Roy (Sherri) Swystun, and Heather (Ian McDonald); and her sister Gladys Craig of Nelson, BC. She is also survived by her brother Charlie Sutherland and his wife Glenda of Trail, BC as well as six grandchildren: Tyler, Dana and Kyle Swystun, Brayden Abbi, and Ayla and Owen McDonald. Doris was predeceased by her father, Gordon Kenneth Sutherland; her mother, Catherine Menzies Douglas; as well as many good friends. Doris was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 8, 1923. She spent her elementary school years in Tisdale, SK and her high school years in Kaslo, BC. After attending Normal School in Victoria, BC in 1941, she went on to become a Primary Teaching Specialist, teaching for seventeen years. Many children throughout Vancouver Island and the BC interior learned to read because of Doris. In June 1956, Doris married August (Gus) Swystun in Trail, BC. After one year in Eldorado, SK, Doris and Gus settled in Calgary where they raised three children and made many dear friends. Doris was a wonderful mother who put all her energy into her family. Doris was an active member of the Triwood Community, the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Calgary Winter Club. Her caring, kindness, and generosity will be remembered by many. She was an avid skier and enjoyed camping, hiking, gardening, bridge and flower arranging. Doris especially loved spending time with family, friends and relatives at Christina and Kootenay Lakes and their condo at Fairmont, BC. A long and difficult battle with Lewy Body dementia was fought at home under the care of her husband and our very special caregiver, Caren Deligencia. With Caren’s support Doris was able to remain at home these last three years. We would also like to thank the nurses and aides at the Agapé Hospice in Calgary, Alberta for their care and attention during this last week. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Doris’ honour may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588, www.agapehospice.ca. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Doris’ life at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. reception at the Calgary Winter Club. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Doris Swystun, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.