Obituary of Margaret Swallow

Margaret Swallow (nee Auld)

November 8, 1937 - November 20, 2023

Peacefully, on November 20, 2023, at the age of 86, Margaret Swallow passed away, surrounded by her family and enveloped in love.

Margaret was the adored wife of the late John C. Swallow (2022).  For 63 years, John and Marg remained deeply and happily devoted to one another.  Together they established a gracious home in which everyone felt welcomed, valued and embraced.  Mom possessed a rare combination of elegance, dignity, poise, gentleness, warmth and compassion. To her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a sanctuary of love, tenderness, unconditional affection—and fierce loyalty.  A caring and faithful friend, she was considered a mentor by many people from all walks of life.

Mom filled her life, and the lives of those around her, with beauty.  An accomplished pianist and sought-after accompanist, she loved creating and listening to beautiful music.  Get-togethers with family and friends often included singing, with Margaret playing the piano and adding her alto harmony.  Even when working around the house, she often could be heard humming happily to herself.  An impeccable homemaker, she worked joyfully to create an exquisite environment which she delighted in sharing with others.  A cup of tea or a meal with Mom in her beautiful home was a calming respite from the storms of life for many.

From a very early age, Mom was sustained by a deep and vibrant Christian faith that manifested in selfless love and kindness, godly wisdom, quiet strength, good humour and a pervasive cheerfulness that she maintained to the very end—even in the face of physical pain and cognitive decline.

Margaret was the beloved mother of Stephen (Karen) Swallow, Jane (Joe) Orlando, Scott (Anne) Swallow and Susan (Chris) Isaac, a doting and cherished “Grammi” to Amy (Todd) Van Eyk, Joe (Brittany) Orlando, Florence (Peter) Anikejew, Peter (Sarah) Swallow, Melanie (Simon) Zjlstra, Benjamin Swallow, Emma (Dwayne) Greenough and William Isaac, and a loving great-grandmother to Gregory Orlando, Claire Orlando, Charlie Orlando, Scotia Anikejew, Wesley Swallow, Sterling Anikejew and Liam Swallow.  Predeceased by her parents, George and Mae Auld, and an older sister Ruth (Al) Schmidt, Margaret is survived by her siblings Beverly Auld, David (Nedra) Auld, Dorothy (Fred) Roussy and Cathy (Norm) Stevenson.  Also left to grieve are a host of nieces and nephews from the Auld and Swallow families in whom Margaret always took great pride and delight.

Margaret’s family would like to extend thanks to the 4th Floor staff of Radiant Care Tabor Manor for the kind and respectful care she was given in the last few years of her life.  We’re also grateful to friends and extended family for their many expressions of love and support over this time. Special thanks to granddaughter Amy Van Eyk for her dedication in caring for her Grammi.

A service of celebration for Margaret’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Redeemer Bible Church (3017 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls, ON) with a reception to follow.