Swinemar, Annie Mae

East River / Bridgewater, NS

July 14, 1932 - March 16, 2025

Annie Mae Swinemar passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Stittsville, Ontario at the age of 92.

Born in East River, Nova Scotia, she was the eldest daughter of the late Granville and Mae (Baker) Gates of Blandford. After graduating from commercial school in Bridgewater, she worked at Simpsons in Halifax until she married her first husband, the late Robert Martin. They spent 3 years in France and traveled to several European countries. Upon returning to Canada, they lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she enjoyed archery and won a provincial archery championship. She moved back to Halifax, where she worked at C-I-L (Canadian Industries Limited) for almost 20 years.

After marrying her second husband, the late Richard Swinemar, she lived in Martin’s Point until his passing. She then moved to Gatineau, Quebec; Belleville, Ontario; and finally, Stittsville, Ontario.

She enjoyed sewing, camping, bowling, and later, Wii bowling. She was always ready for adventure. She enjoyed traveling and took several cruise vacations. Her love of photography developed into her passion for painting. She participated in several local artist groups wherever she lived, and her work has been admired by many.

Her Christian Faith was her foundation. She was involved in numerous congregations over the years, attending services, Bible Studies, prayer groups and conferences. Jesus was her Saviour, and He was Faithful to never leave her, nor forsake her.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Richard Swinemar; brothers: Russell (Emilie) Gates and Obie (Goldie) Gates; sister: Peggy Devers. She is survived by her daughters: Cheryl (Wayne) Levy and Dianne (Eric) Tremblay; step-son: Derwin (Crystal) Swinemar; step-daughter: Nadine (Jodie) Demont; grandchildren: Paul (Lana) Levy, Shaun (Julie) Levy, Rebecca (Ghislain) Groulx, Benjamin Tremblay, Marc (Danielle) Tremblay, Daniel (Katriana) Tremblay; step-grandchildren: Brandon (Brittany) Swinemar, Jared (Mindy) Swinemar, Ian (Ashley) Swinemar, Kyle (Madison) Swinimer and Kourtney Stacey; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brother-in-law: Wayne Devers; sisters-in-law: Laura Barkhouse and Lillian Saltzman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family was so important to her and staying connected with her family members was definitely a priority.

Special thank you to Frances, Nicole, and everyone at Wildpine Residence in Stittsville. Thank you also go out to Alison and the care team at the Ottawa Civic Hospital; Erin Mutterback at The Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Center – Hematology Oncology; and to her many friends and family who have supported her over the years.

Cremation was entrusted to Kelly’s Funeral Home, Kanata, Ontario.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, April 12 at 1 pm at MEO Church, 92 Rue Principale, Gatineau, Quebec. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7 at 1 pm at the Blandford Community Centre located off highway 329 at 30 Fire Hall Road in Blandford, Nova Scotia. Rev James Haughn of New Hope Community Church will officiate the service. A time of refreshments will follow. Interment will take place in the Western Shore Cemetery at a later time.

Annie was deeply loved and she touched the lives of so many. She will remain forever in our hearts. She fought a good fight, she finished her race, she kept the faith.

Well done.