Kathleen Mary Schwann (McAllister) passed away peacefully, age 91, in the presence of family members on May 5, 2019. Left to mourn her passing are her children: Greg (Evelyn); Lian and her children Marc (Dorian), Adam and Meghan (Aaron); Joseph (Sandra) and their children Michela (Eric), Kiersten, Keeley and Jordon; and Monica. She is also survived by her sisters Theresa Rose Davis (Dale) and Joan McAllister, her brother Richard McAllister, her sister-in-law Vivian Beach and numerous nieces, nephews, and many close friends.
Kathleen will be reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 60 years, Gordon, daughter Judy and grandson Andrew. She was also predeceased by her parents, Herb and Antonette McAllister and sister Rita Carroll.
Kathleen was born on the McAllister farm just south of Regina in 1928. She received her elementary schooling at the Springdale School – a one-room school common to the prairies at that time. Kathleen attended high school in Regina at the Sacred Heart Academy, followed by nursing training at the Grey Nuns Hospital. She graduated in 1949 with her RN. Kathleen worked as a special duty nurse for a local surgeon before marrying Gordon in 1952. The couple moved to Edmonton following their marriage where Gordon pursued dental studies at the University of Alberta. In 1955, they and their young family returned to Regina where they resided until relocating to Calgary in 2004. Retirement brought travel, trips to the mountains but, most importantly, quality time with family.
Kathleen was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She had a lovely singing voice, which was often on display while ironing or doing the dishes. Kathleen was a kind, empathetic woman who, in many ways, was a woman ahead of her time. She kept abreast of current affairs and often expressed informed, well-reasoned opinions. She was elegant and refined, yet had a common touch, pervading sense of compassion and keen interest in the welfare of others. True to her Irish roots, Kathleen loved nothing better than a good visit and long telephone calls. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Rockyview General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care in moms final days.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Michael Catholic Community, 800 85th Street SW, Calgary on Saturday May 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM.
Interment and celebration of life to follow in Regina, on a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Pierson’s Funeral Service: www.piersons.ca
Funeral Home:
Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel
4121 – 17 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB
CA T2A 0T1