Veronica Swan

September 14, 1929 ~ July 25, 2023

Veronica Swan, beloved wife of the late James Gretton Swan and daughter of Mary Josephine Gleeson and Albert Edward Manning, was born on September 14th, 1929, in Nenagh, Tipperary, Ireland, the 7th of 11 children. Known then as ‘Ronnie”, she was a feisty and adventurous child who loved to learn and was eager for new experiences. At 16, she moved to London, England to live with her Auntie Kit, and found employment with a job in the Civil Service. She later met James ‘Gretton’ Swan, freshly demobilized from the RAF, who became the love of her life. They married in 1951, then immigrated to Canada in 1953 with their first daughter, Rosaleen. Gretton worked as a Chemist in Edmonton, later moving to Bowden, Alberta to work as a Physics and Chemistry teacher. Their children Michael and Deirdre were born. More moves and more children followed – Patricia, Mary and Philip. Their last move in 1964 was to Medicine Hat where the family enjoyed growing up in their big old house with many wonderful neighbours. Gretton retired from teaching in 1985, and he and Veronica subsequently enjoyed many exciting travels to China, Turkey, Spain, Trinidad, Colombia, cruises through the Panama Canal and the West Coast to Juno, Alaska, plus visits to see family in Ontario, British Columbia, England and Ireland. Veronica and Gretton were dedicated environmentalists, activists, and gardeners and very involved in the community. In 2008, Veronica received the City of Medicine Hat Civic Environmental Award for ‘Extraordinary Contribution to the Community’. She served as Leader of the Grasslands Naturalists, President of the St. Patrick’s Church C.W.L. and on the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board as a Trustee. Veronica also taught Irish Dancing, which she had learned as a child. Veronica was a great mom, always expecting her children to do their best. Veronica was predeceased by her parents and siblings, including an infant twin brother as well as her loving son Michael in 1986, and her loving husband Gretton in 2010. She is survived by her remaining children, their spouses, 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Kerry, sister-in-law Ina, and many special nieces and nephews in Ireland, Canada, US and the UK. She is also survived by special dear friends. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2nd Ave. N.E., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception and eulogy the Church Hall. If you wish, please wear something green to remember Veronica’s love of all things Irish. Many thanks to Age Care Riverview staff and Dr. Ciubotaru for their kind care of Veronica. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) If friends wish to make a donation in memory of Veronica, Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund Canada were among her favourites.  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4v4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2023-07-25
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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