Obituary of Leah Swaddling

SWADDLING, Leah September 21, 1924 - March 8, 2022 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Leah Swaddling announces her passing on March 8, 2022, at the age of 97, surrounded by her family at Royal Oak, Long Term Care in Kingsville. Leah had the great fortune to have two loves in her life. She is predeceased by her 2nd husband Walter Harris and her first great love, husband Fred Swaddling. Cherished mother to Ruth Ann Margaret Hathaway, Robert Charles Swaddling and Charlene. Forever remembered by her grandchildren Robbin Ryan, Edward Blackman, David Blackman, Charles Swaddling and Patti, Timothy Swaddling, Caron Swaddling-Head and Jeff. Leah was the proud Great Grandmother to Christopher, Michaela and Tye Ryan, Robert and Alexander Swaddling, Bryan and Andrew Head. Leah was the loving sister to Gabriel Heathcoat (deceased), Lucien Cosyn (Pat), Margaret Ford (Merle both deceased), Morris Cosyn (deceased) (Isabel), Albert Cosyn (Barbara), Barbara Courtemanche (deceased) (Andre), and Eyonne Donnasi (Danny). Leah will also be dearly missed by her extended family and friends. Leah has led a full and happy life. Leah moved to Canada with her family from her native Belgium when she was just 6 years old. She learned the English language and loved school. In later years she met Fred Swaddling, the love of her life and had 2 children. While her children were young, Leah and Fred took a chance and purchased a 27 acre fruit farm in the town of Kingsville. It was deemed Happy Acres. Leah and her family thrived in Kingsville, and it was not long before she took a job at the Kingsville Reporter. She wore many hats at The Reporter and in later years, she became well know for her column, Leah’s Social, and continued to write the column for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 93. Leah belonged to many clubs including the Friendly Club and Lioness Club. Leah was a member of the Anglican Church of the Epiphany for well over 50 years and sang in the choir. Her pride would always be felt with the reading of the Christmas passage as Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in Swaddling clothes. Leah loved music and for many years played her guitar with The Happy Acres Band. In later years, she would travel with Reverend Girling and would play her guitar and sing while services was being performed. Leah had a zest for life like no other and she was always on the go. She knew everyone in this town and the next. Always stopping and giving a hug and a kiss to everyone she met. She loved her family, her grand children and her great grandchildren. She has instilled her friendliness, her enthusiasm, her humor and her sense of kindness and warmth in all of us. We will miss her, terribly but know she will watch over all of us, our Guardian Angel. As per Leah's wishes, cremation has taken place. A ceremony and interment will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11:00am at The Epiphany Anglican Church, 106 Main St W, Kingsville. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Kingsville), 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.simplechoicecremation.ca