Obituary of Shirley Jean Swaddle

August 15, 1932 – Edmonton, Alberta
August 25, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Jean Swaddle on August 25, 2021, at the Agape Hospice after bravely enduring a lengthy illness.

Shirley Swaddle (née Weiss, formerly Bagley) was born in Edmonton to George and Violet Weiss and grew up on her parents’ farm southeast of the city. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and served first as a chemist in the Provincial Analyst’s office before joining the fledgling Chemistry Department of the University of Alberta, Calgary (UAC – The University of Calgary since 1966) as a chemistry Instructor, 1955-1974. She married UAC/UCalgary chemistry professor Dr. Thomas W. (Tom) Swaddle in 1968. After recovery from major cancer surgery in 1974, Shirley served as a much respected realtor with P. J. Toole and Cote (later Re/max), retiring in 2000.

Shirley was known for her sharp intelligence, her tasteful dressing, her culinary skills acquired at schools in both Canada and France, her active interests in the arts (she was an accomplished potter and jewellery-maker), her enthusiasm for world-wide travel (often with the International Wine and Food Society), and her great love for animals and birds everywhere.

Shirley is survived by her husband Tom of 53 years, her brother Donald L. Weiss, her nieces April Buconjic (Goran) and Karen Emery (Richard) and their families, her nephew Patrick Weiss of Canmore, and her brother-in-law Henry Swaddle (Christine) and their families in England.

At Shirley’s request, no formal services will be held. Flowers are respectfully declined. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Shirley Swaddle, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.