In Celebration of

Marjorie Swain (née Baggs)

January 20, 1934 -  July 6, 2018

Oh what a wonderful life I had! Born in Calgary January 20, 1934. Got my social and playful nature from my crazy Dad Wally Baggs from Heart's Content, Newfoundland. Lost Mom early. Grew up with my wonderful older sister Shirley. Loved horses, all animals really, and would treasure many pets in my life like Bandit and Ginger.

Met my first husband Bruce Merklinger, a dashing pilot, and through the armed forces we lived across our great country Canada, and raised our pride and joy, our three kids, Dave, Bill and Anne. Fell in love with the sport of curling. Loved to party and dance. Have to say I could light up a room!

Met and married Eddie Swain, the love of my life in 1981, and spent the happiest years of our lives at our cottage on Lake Kennebec near Sharbot Lake, eastern Ontario. Spent many a good night in our retirement years touring the lake on our pontoon boat, beverage in hand, with our dear friends Wayne and Joanne Carruthers. Hosted many Lake Kennebec Olympics on Labour Day weekends with our families. Had the time to develop and show my talents as an artist. Enjoyed singing with Eddie and our friends in the local church choir.

Always loved kids, and leave my legacy of 4 grandchildren: Connor, Meagan, Jennifer and Mike and 2 great grandchildren: Lily and Gavin.

Do I have any advice for you based on how I lived my life? Be compassionate, kind and caring to people and animals, never miss a good party with friends, always stand by your kids and make them your top priority, work hard when you have to, be proud of who you are and do not let people walk over you, enjoy sports and hobbies, let a smile light up your face as mine always did, and move on when it is time to do so, as I did on July 6, 2018.

Guestbook 

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Janet Darbe (Bill's Mother-in-Law)

Entered July 16, 2018 from Ottawa

Marj, it was a pleasure knowing you. I always looked forward to and enjoyed our walks (and smokes) at the Lake. Rest in peace and join Eddie again at the cottage.

Joanne Carrothers (Friend)

Entered July 16, 2018 from Arden

Marj was my hero, my second Mother and my friend. I loved her so much and I will never forget her. The sun has been a little less bright since she is gone but I can still hear that infectious laugh and that cry through the woods, Eddie where are you?

Shirley Paterson # family (Sister)

Entered July 16, 2018 from Duncan, British Columbia

Marjorie was a very special person and it is hard to believe she is gone.
She was bright, kind, and smiled all the time.I am so glad she and Ed had the cottage as they were so very happy there.

It has been a long journey for her and her family, and I want to thank her children (Bill, Anne, and Dave for how they cared about her and were there for her. Dave lives in BC so wasn't there all the time but made many trips to see her. Bill and Anne made sure she got outside right until the end and I thank all of them for the wonderful care they took of Marjorie. They did everything they could to make her journey as good as it was possible to be. I will never forget how they were there.

She loved curling and introduced her family to the curling world. All three of her children are very involved with curling Canada and she was so proud of them all.

Bless you dear Marj! Shirley, Bob and family.

Tyler Swain (Step grandson)

Entered July 16, 2018 from Ottawa

Sad to heard about Marj. Deepest sympathies and condolences to the Merklinger Family. I will cherish my fond memories of summer days and nights spent at lake Kennebec. Lots of love and big hugs,
Tyler

Ray Lebeau (Friend)

Entered July 17, 2018 from CFS Leitrim, ON

To Dave, Bill, Anne, Family Members & Friends,
The members of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio (SUPRAD) System Old-Timer's Association were saddened by the news of Marjorie's passing. Her light-hearted obituary 'Oh what a wonderful life I had!' is a testament to her social and playful nature. She was compassionate, kind and caring and all those friends who 'partied' with her will long remember the good times that were shared. Please know that as members of your extended military family, we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
'Friends Forever'

Photos 

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Marj did some painting with me. We both painted one of these and she loved it.
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