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
13 Responses
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
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.
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