Wanda Beatrice Swinimer

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Wanda Beatrice Swinimer on April 28th 2024. She was grateful to have been in the comfort of her home encircled in the love of her family and closest friends, who meant everything to her.

Born in Middleton, Nova Scotia on June 24th 1961, she was the daughter of Florence (Snow) and Edward Hynes.

In her early years, she trained as a beautician. Her love of hairdressing led her to purchase A Step Ahead Beauty Salon, where she taught cosmetology. When her children were small, she decided to leave her career to dedicate her time to the family she loved so dearly. She continued to hairdress a few special clients from home. When Wanda loved, it was with all of her heart, whether it was people, music or art. When she was in her early twenties, she learned to play bass and it was through playing bluegrass music with her father that she met Chuck. They became a duo in both marriage and music. She is known for keeping time and picking up the tune in any jam, but mostly it was her singing voice that people loved. She had a few signature songs, like The Gift of Love (Whippoorwills and Daffodils), Rock Salt and Nails and Keeping Me Up Nights. Nobody could sing them like her, with Chuck harmonizing along. She and Chuck enjoyed many campouts and music festivals throughout their forty years together with their fabulous buddies, Dennis and Lisa, Karry-Lynn and Travis, Aunt Sheila and Uncle Merrill, Judy, Cindy-Lou and Jeff, Barry and Kathy and countless others. Wanda was an amazing artist, who learned and mastered many genres from painting, felting, card making, and print-making with her Cricut, just to name a few. She shared her artistic talents and taught many her newly acquired skills. The biggest love of Wanda’s life, besides her husband, was her family. Nothing brought her more joy than family gatherings with her sisters, nieces and nephews as well as friends who became her family. Her laughter came from deep within and could be heard for miles around. It was contagious and joyful! Thankfully, you can hear it echoing through her family and grandchildren.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Charles Swinimer; son, Doyle Swinimer (Whitney), Hatchet Lake, NS; daughter, Kaela Swinimer (Brad Colbourne), Conquerall Bank, NS; step-daughters, Lori Swinimer (Kim) Strathroy, ON; Vanessa Swinimer (Steve Cammaert) London, ON; grandchildren Nathan, Cali, Brooklynn, Ava, Izabella, Hayden, Markus; twin brother, Wayne Hynes (Louise) Sackville, NS; sister, Sherry Hynes-Ryan (Gary Chatters); Father-in-law, Robert Swinimer, Western Shore, NS; beloved nieces and nephews, April, Kim, Brendan, Kayleigh, Hayden, Sarah, Justin, Jaxson, Danielle, Zoe, Astrid, Scarlet, Michael, Katherine, Lilah, Nicholas, Kyle and special camping friends, too numerous to mention.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Debbie Baldwin; Mother-in-law, Francis Swinimer; brother-in-law, Richard Ryan and furbaby, Sophie.

Wanda wanted to remain at home to enjoy the final days of her life surrounded by family and friends. This could not have been possible without the quality of care given by Dr. Patricia Caldeira and nurse Melanie Spence as well as a number of VON caregivers and her family and friends.

Cremation has taken place as per her wishes. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations in Wanda’s memory may be made to Victorian Order of Nurses or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca