Article appeared in the Sept.8, 2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
A community memorial service was held at the Fisher Branch Community Centre on Sept. 5, in celebration of the life of Nancy Swenty, of Fisher Branch. Hundreds of people—friends, family and the general public–were in attendance filling the hall well past its capacity. Vehicles lined both sides of the highway for nearly a mile. Each person was given a white ribbon as they entered the hall, to wear in Swenty’s honour, and to keep in remembrance.
Gord Wevursky, municipal councillor, and captain of the Fisher Fire Department, officiated.
“This is a celebration of the life of Nancy Swenty. It is also a healing,” he said.
Friends, family members, as well as representatives from the Fisher River First Nation took part in honouring the 33-year-old, who was obviously well-loved by many. Numerous people honoured her memory through songs, or shared stories of their times with her. A slide show with images of her early childhood up to her recent years was set to music. Childhood friends created video clips which recounted shared experiences.
John Murdock from Fisher River First Nation offered condolences to the family.
“She was in our hearts and thoughts every day. We were all hoping for a better outcome,” Murdock said. He performed a traditional Ojibwe prayer for spiritual healing.
“It’s a way to ask the creator to be here to watch over our children—our children like Nancy, our children like ourselves, like our grand children.”
Later, Patricia Stevenson and the Loud Eagle Singers offered thoughts and a memorial song, to thank the Creator for bringing Swenty into so many people’s lives.
“Angels walk among us in human form, and Nancy was one of them,” said Stevenson, “She was an example to all of us. She never judged anyone. Her mother taught her that.”
Swenty was known as an animal lover, who took in strays, who loved the country life and enjoyed gardening. Numerous people recounted stories of a kind and fun-loving person, who was especially thoughtful, mischievous, and generous to family and friends.
A community lunch was held immediately following the service. A private funeral will be held at a later date.
Swenty’s body was found along a roadway southeast of Poplarfield, on Aug. 28, approximately one month after her disappearance. The person responsible for her death is still at large.
