Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Ms. Lena May Swaby
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Alva & Paul Swaby posted a condolence
Thursday, October 31, 2024
48 Confederation Drive was the tiny house where our family grew up right here in Scarborough a little over 50 years ago. Seven of us lived there, 5 brothers and 1 sister, all snuggled together in the arms of love.
48 Confederation Drive was our epicenter - the core of our family foundation. I guess you could say that the environment we lived in made us closer – and the memories we shared couldn’t have made our family bond any tighter or stronger, indeed as years passed, to where we are today.
You see, we actually learn lessons every day of our lives, from our earliest moments on. Often coming to us in simple moments of reflection. We don't really look for them or even see them because they’re much deeper than what meets the eye. We’re unable to connect feelings and thoughts we grew up with until much later in life. But 48 Confederation Dr., however, was very unique in bringing those moments of reflection together and unequivocally, Lena May Swaby was the matriarch and orchestrator of that setting.
One of my fondest memories was sitting on the living room windowsill gazing out at what was my mother’s favourite past-time...tending to her beautiful rose garden. I couldn't put my emotions into words back then, but every time I stared out the window, I could see that Mom’s garden stood out in the neighborhood like a breathtaking island of brilliant colors in a sea of placid green grass. She had at least five different colors of roses, tulips, marigolds, etc. all nestled together in our V shaped front lawn. And I don't think I’ve ever seen as many cars stop by the curb side, couples stare, or families pause in awe admiring how beautiful my Mom’s garden was.
48 Confederation Drive was definitely the talk of the town in those days, because my mother’s flowers lit up the neighborhood. The smiles and shear joy on people’s faces authenticated for me as a young boy that little things can mean such big things to many people in a short period of time. I could go on forever about our dear mother, butfor the sake of time, I will say this. Mom left us with several beautiful memories just like her garden on 48 Confederation Drive.
You see, sitting on the windowsill, daydreaming and looking at an entire picture as a young boy, I learned a valuable lifelong lesson from my mother about “Watering Plants” without her even having to say a thing. Her actions – and the reactions of others – spoke louder than words. Mom was a dedicated, disciplined and organized role model for all of us. She made the best of everything we had. Those actions of hers transformed our family into who we are today because we too were her flowers, and just like her garden she groomed us to be great, she gave us the nutrients to grow into the beautiful individuals she envisioned we could become.
Our mother inherently passed down this life-long lesson of Watering Plants at 48 Confederation Dr. to her children and her future generations without her even speaking to anyone of us about it and for that, we owe her our eternal gratitude.Mom, we’re thankful for your everlasting strength, your beautiful smile, your guidance, your nurturing, your life-long lessons to which we will always cherish. We’ve been so blessed not only because you maternally brought us into existence but praise be to God that you even existed in our lives for as long as you have. For our families to come together to celebrate your life on this Earth, we couldn’t be more proud. You will be truly missed and loved by all! Mother, we’ll forever love you! Until we meet again…
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LEANNE NYSTROM DONNELLY lit a candle
Saturday, October 9, 2021
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Our condolences to you Paul and all your family. God speed.
Mike, Leanne & JM Donnelly
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Eugene Williams posted a condolence
Friday, October 8, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Duke, Joy and the entire Swaby family. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eugene & Joy
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Marcy Barbaro lit a candle
Friday, October 8, 2021
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Ms. Lena May:
I have heard so many beautiful stories about you from your son Paul. What an extraordinary legacy you left in him. I'm sorry we never met in person, but perhaps someday we will connect in the spirit world.
Love and light,
Marcy
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Nicole and Merlyn posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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Offering our condolences she was such a light her smile forced you to smile. She never let a Sunday pass at church without stopping to say hi. Graceful she will be missed when we go back in the building and she is missing. To Paul and her other children we have you in out prayers during this time. Nicole Harriott and Merlyn Harriott
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Winston and Marian Dayal posted a condolence
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Deepest Condolences , Peace and Comfort to Joy, Duke and the rest of the family. Lena was a dear friend who sat in the pew in front of us at Agincourt Pentecostal Church for many years, she was always a great dresser and loved the Lord .She will.be missed .May she Rest In Eternal.Peace .
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Joseph A. Annan Posted Oct 7, 2021 at 11:55 AM
On behalf of my wife Genevieve, our daughter Giselle Leticia and our boys Wesley and Denzel Annan who were coached in their amateur football careers by Paul whom they know as Coach Swaby before they ended up in top US high schools and universities, I send our deepest condolences to Paul, his daughters, brothers, sisters and the entire Swaby Family during this very emotional time. I hope they will share some past memories of Momma. May she fly home safely and be with our Heavenly Father!
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Paul uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 3, 2021
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Mom, you're looking awesome! Now the world can experience some of the joy you gave us!
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Wendi posted a condolence
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Ma'am although we've never met, I want you to know that I had an opportunity to experience the love that you taught your son Paul...and I thank you for what you instilled in him. Your memory will remain alive in all he does. Thank you and embrace your reward!
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The family of Ms. Lena May Swaby uploaded a photo
Saturday, October 2, 2021
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The family of Ms. Lena May Swaby uploaded a photo
Saturday, October 2, 2021
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