Obituary of Margaret Swain
On April 15, 2014, Margaret Swain (McEachern) passed on to be with the Lord and to join Bill, her husband of 60 years and the love of her life. Born November 2, 1917, Margaret started her life as the second eldest of a pioneer family in Gould Township and at Basswood Lake in northern Ontario. In 1928, her family moved to Sudbury where she excelled in all her academic endeavours. In 1935, she attended Teacher's College in North Bay and began her teaching career in 1936 at a small one room school house in Dean Lake. Her teaching career at Central Public School and Alexander Public School in Sudbury, Ontario, would span six decades with a 20 year "break" to raise her seven children. Margaret was known for her innovative teaching practices and as quoted by one of her principals at her retirement, "Her unique skill lies in her ability to promote and enhance the integrity of children. She made a significant contribution to the lives of students and teachers who came under her influence and was one of the 'Greats'." Margaret carved her own personal niche in the life of every one of her children, grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. She had an extraordinary sense for doing the right thing, regardless of convention and she was the source of great joy at every greeting. She was known for her kindness and generosity which were extended to many. She is predeceased by a son, Donald Rodger, her sisters, Mary, Ellen (Bo) and brothers, Ronny and Johnny. She will be missed greatly and her memory cherished by her daughter, Christina (Phil) of London, and her six sons, Billy of Edmonton, Jim (Dorothy) of Welland, Johnny (Freda) of Edmonton, Bobby (Laura) of Vancouver, Tommy of Vancouver and Ron (Dodie) of St. Thomas; eight grandchildren, Trevor, Scott, Andrea, Lauren, Emily, Bobby, Joey and Johnny. As well, she will be missed by her brother Rodger (Carolyn), special niece, Sue Hutton and family, many nieces, nephews and close family friends. Interment and memorial service will take place in May at Pine Grove Cemetery, Little Rapids, Ontario. In memory of Margaret, donations can be made to Mission Services of London.
