Obituary of Katherine Joy (Edwards) "Kay" Swinamer- McIvor

It is with sadness, supported by overwhelming joy of memories of a long well-lived life, that we announce the passing of our mother, Katherine “Kay”, at the age of 103, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in Windsor. Born in Newport Station on August 21, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Jane (Bouchie) Edwards. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Kay is survived by daughter, Dawn Loner (Arthur); sons, Carl (Cora), Larry (Susan) and Alan (Ann); 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two step grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; as well as many treasured, nephews and nieces. Special thanks to our cousin, Prudy for her regular connection to Mother.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Gerald; second husband, Victor “Vic”; oldest son, Bruce; brothers, Graham, Carleton “Peg’s”, Ronald “Ronnie” and Wilford Edwards; sister, Gerladine Caldwell and grandson, Troy Swinamer.

Gerald and Kay raised their family and ran the G.E. Swinamer General Store in Three Mile Plains for many years. Subsequently they moved to Dartmouth, closer to family and operated Hawthorne Grocery /Meats, entrenching the Dartmouth community and many new social connections while remaining connected to Three Mile Plains and enjoying many get-togethers at the family cottage on Mockingee Lake.

Mother was an active person, raising family and involved in many community activities. Her connectivity to family and friends was witnessed in the celebration of her 100th birthday, which was attended by over 100 well-wishers.

She was an avid walker and skated regularly well into her 80s, with the occasional cross-country ski outing. In her early 70s, she started square dancing where she met her second husband, Vic. They enjoyed a beautiful, family connected, life together, keeping very active, travelling to square dancing, outings with the VW campers group and travelling parts of Canada. The family referred to Vic as a "saint" bringing so much happiness to our mother and family. In her later years, she moved to Halifax embarking on another phase of her life, connecting with new friends, some travel and active with the Red/Purple Hatters ladies. In her early 90s, she decided to relocate to her origins and moved back to Windsor. An avid Blue Jays fan and “coach” her longtime friends, Arne and Helen hosted her in Toronto for her 90^th birthday, where she spent the day as a guest of the team, meeting all the players/announcers and enjoyed the Jays home game.

Anyone visiting could be expected to be challenged to a game of Rummikub and if you never had played, she would teach you!  We always thought she should be in marketing/sales for the game company, as many first-time players got hooked and went out and bought the game.

She was healthy and agile, living independently with a sharp mind until just prior to her passing. As of late her daily life was supplemented with the added support of loving caregivers Paulette, Andrea and Lisa, all of whom became mothers new best friends. The family is so appreciative of their care, a special family thanks, to Paulette, who was a mainstay for our mother.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where the family will receive visitors to celebrate and remember Kay on Saturday, January 3, 2026 between 1:30 and 4 p.m., in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Ste. Croix Cemetery, St. Croix. Family flowers only by request, however, donations in memory of Kay may be made to St. Thomas Anglican Church, C/O 76 Old Halifax Rd. West, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0 or to a charity of one’s choice. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.

“We are all so fortunate and blessed to have had Mother as our family "pillar"
for so many years. Can you imagine the changes one has seen in this world over 103 years…”