Vina Swain

The family of Vina Eva Swain (Makoonse), the oldest member of Swan Lake First Nation, is saddened to announce her passing on July 17, 2025. Vina passed away peacefully in Notre Dame de Lourdes with family at her side. She was 100 years old.

Vina leaves to mourn her children: Lorraine (Gordon) Williamson, Donna M’lot, and Mary Jane Swain. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Dr. Kelvin Williamson (Crystal) and their children Walker, Owen, Skyler, and Hunter; Tara Williamson; Jason (Christine) Williamson and their daughters, Kylie, Kenna, and Alexis; Christine M’lot (Chad) and Jennifer M’lot. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Theresa Swain and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vina was born on October 14, 1924 in Indian Springs to her parents Kahpedashi (Kate) Puckamogan (Talkingstone) and Michael Swain. She is pre-deceased by her parents and all of her siblings: Raymond Swain, Mabel Esquash, Rosie Esquash, Fred Swain, John Swain, Mary Chartrand. She is also pre-deceased by her great-grandson, Anagonse Williamson.

Vina was a survivor of Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School. She was a fierce, single mother of three. She worked hard all her life, was strong willed, and loved to make people laugh. She loved going to pow wows, sundance, talking on the phone, playing cards, and going to bingo. She had a garden that fed her whole family and loved watching cooking shows and trying new recipes. She enjoyed watching local and NHL hockey and was happy having and feeding visitors – she always had tea on the stove.

Vina worked as a health care aide at the Ninette Sanitorium and with the Grey Nuns at St. Boniface Hospital. She was also a janitor at the Winnipeg Airport. She was a beloved grandmother, aunty, and nanny to many, many children over the years.

Traditional Wake will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the Swan Lake First Nation Community Hall.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, with a traditional feast beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Swan Lake First Nation Community Hall.

Pallbearers will be: Kelvin Williamson, Jason Williamson, Damien Tukundum, Ron Swain, Sean Reid, and Donny Scott.

Honourary pallbearers are: Hunter Williamson, Gerald Esquash, Michael Esquash, Kevin Esquash, and Mike Labelle

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca