Isabelle Swanson

Isabelle Irene Swanson, age 94, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at River Heights Lodge, North Battleford, SK.

Isabelle was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Hans Swanson (2008); her granddaughter, Jayde Swanson (2002) (daughter of Dale & Bev Swanson); her mother, Martha (1969) and her father, John Golling (1978); her sister, Louise Golling (1982); her sisters and their spouses, Dorothy Blackburn (2005), Pauline Blackburn (2006), and Shirley Anderson (2015); her brothers, Irvin (1932) and Carl (2007); her brothers and their spouses, George (1970) and Melvin (2003); her niece, Karen Anderson (1958) (daughter of Shirley & Rob Anderson); and by her nephew, Cecil Roy Blackburn (2021) (son of Dorothy & Cecil Blackburn).

Isabelle is survived by her daughter, Arlene Swanson (Calgary, AB); her son, Jan (Karen) Swanson (North Battleford, SK) and their children and families, Derrick (Mary) Swanson (Saskatoon, SK) (Theodore and Elowen) and Cia Hurlburt (St. Albert, AB) (Taryn and Jack); her son, Dale (Pastor Bev) Swanson (Camrose, AB) and their children, Brendyn and Keysha; and by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Isabelle Irene Swanson was born November 14, 1927 to John & Martha Golling on the Golling family farm near Illerbrun, SK. Isabelle attended Burns School then High School in Shaunavon, SK. After Normal School in Moose Jaw, SK in 1944, at the age of 17, she started teaching. Isabelle taught at three different rural schools until her marriage to Gordon Swanson on July 17, 1951 at Scotsguard Lutheran Church. 

Isabelle taught Sunday School and served in positions with Trinity Lutheran Church, Simmie SK, the E.L.W., and volunteered with St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK. Isabelle’s faith was a quiet river of strength supporting many in unwritten but important ways extending beyond the Swanson Farm Home. Over the years she cared for and nursed many family members, including her parents.  She was interested in advances in health, and experimented with new food combinations and techniques. She did a lot of cooking, baking, and preserving to celebrate and feed family and friends. Isabelle will be remembered for her lefse making skills, special Scandinavian tea-rings but most of all for her thoughtful, gracious and generous spirit.

Isabelle had a memorable and meaningful impact on many people and will be tremendously missed!

The Celebration of Life for Isabelle Swanson was held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:00 pm from St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Linda Hall and Pastor Bev Swanson officiating. “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “Borning Cry,” Peace Like a River,” “Children of the Heavenly Father,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and “Beautiful Savior” were sung by the congregation, with Arlie Neufeld serving as pianist. The tribute was given by Arlene Swanson, Jan Swanson, and Dale Swanson. The Scripture Reading was Romans 5:1-5 and Psalm 139:1-18, read by Derrick Swanson, and John 14:1-4, 27, read by Loreen Piehl-Wiedemann. Special music, “In the Garden” was given by Keysha Swanson. The ushers in the church were Edna & Keith Bratvold and Cheryl & Everett Peterson.

The service card is available to view below. The service was recorded and is available to view here.

The Interment Service was held immediately following the Funeral Service from Mount Pleasant Burial Park, Swift Current, SK with Dorlas Bratvold, Eleanor Caswell, Robin Fenell, Arlene Larson, Jennifer Matt, and Candice Mortensen serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Isabelle’s relatives and good friends.

In memory of Isabelle Swanson, donations made to St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the Simmie Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Isabelle Swanson, please visit our floral store.