Obituary of Shirley Alice Swinamer

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Alice Swinamer, age 94, of Mahone Bay on May 30th, 2026. Born in Blockhouse she was the daughter of Glennie (Ernst) and Harvey Joudrey.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her first husband Donald Schwartz; step-son Clarence Schwartz; her second husband Merrill Swinamer; and long-time partner Neil Theriault. 

Surviving are her step-daughter Merrillynn Swinemar-Wilson (Kelly); and step-son Kenneth Swinemar; step-grand daughters Alena Wilson, Adrienne Wilson, Dorothy McAllister, Emma Swinemar; and step great-grandchildren, Sean, Fletcher, Seth, Malcolm, Cory, Lilith and Liliana. As well, she is remembered by her favorite cousin Jane Winchcombe, son Jason Winchcombe (Amanda), and children Bryson and Kasey, daughter Rachel Nickerson (Kevin) and children Harold and Alexander; and cousin, John Barry. 

Shirley lived life to the full travelling extensively with destinations as distant as Africa and China, also spending 6 months a year as a “snow-bird” for 20 years where lots of new friends were made. Her knitting skills were legendary and her passion for cats well recognized. She will be missed.

A grave side service will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 12:30pm, in the Old Blockhouse Cemetery, Blockhouse. Pastor Annette Smith officiating. Reception to follow at St John’s Lutheran Church.

A special thanks to the staff of MacLeod Cares Mahone Bay Nursing Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mahone Bay, St. James Anglican Church, Mahone Bay, or Blockhouse Garden of Rest Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com