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Gwendoline Swaby Obituary

Mrs. Gwendoline Hannah Veronica Swaby of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, died on July 1, 2005. She has resided in Colorado Springs for the past eight years with her daughter, Dr. Barbara Swaby, son-in-law, Mr. Winfield Pate, and their family. Mrs. Swaby was born on November 23, 1913 to Samuel Gray and Adina Williamson Gray of St. Mary, Jamaica. Both parents have preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death are four sisters: Vie Lawson, Birdie Prendergast, Huldah McLaren and Lillen Blake; and two brothers: Jim Gray and Raphael Gray. A sister, Ruth Anderson of Silver Springs, Maryland and a sister-in-law, Eda Swaby of Kingston Jamaica also survive her. Mrs. Swaby graduated from Woolmers High School in Kingston, Jamaica. She then attended Shortwood Teacher's College where she earned a certificate in teaching. On September 26, 1945, Gwendoline Gray married her first and only love, Rev. Herbert Henry Bryan Swaby of Trelawny, Jamaica. Her dearest lifemate preceded her in death on October 31, 2002. Their marriage lasted for 57 years. Herbert and Gwendoline shared three children: an adopted daughter, Dr. Sybil Wilson, currently retired from a professorship at Brock University in Ontario, Canada; a son, Dr. Samuel Swaby, currently a medical doctor in Jamaica, West Indies; and a daughter, Dr. Barbara Swaby, currently a professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Rev. and Mrs. Swaby were also the proud grandparents of four grandchildren: Safyanu Swaby of Baltimore, Maryland; David Swaby, Rachel Pate and Dominique Pate of Colorado Springs. Mrs. Swaby accepted Christ at an early age, and devoted the remainder of her life to the service of God. She shared completely her husband's commitment to Christian Education of children, particularly those children who faced significant socio-economic challenges. As a result of this commitment, Rev. and Mrs. Swaby founded the Folk Schools in St. Mary, Jamaica in 1949. From a tiny nucleus of four students, grew the existing Iona High and the Iona Preparatory Schools in Tower Isle, Jamaica. These schools have made immeasurable contributions to education in Jamaica for more than 50 years. Mrs. Swaby was the esteemed principal of the Iona Preparatory School for over 30 years. As a direct result of the vision and tireless work of Rev. and Mrs. Swaby, the Iona Schools have provided thousands of fine citizens and scores of leaders who have made significant contributions in a variety of professions throughout the West Indies, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Mrs. Swaby was a devoted co-worker with her beloved husband, Rev. Herbert Swaby, in the Presbyterian Church and later in the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman. She played the piano and the organ for church services each Sunday. In addition, she conducted the choirs, led the Woman's Guild, taught Sunday School and led prayer meetings each week for more than 50 years. Mrs. Swaby was greatly admired and loved by her family and friends. She was blessed with an impressively organized mind, a very giving nature, a gentle and elegant manner and a creative and artistic flair. She was a patient and uncomplaining soul full of grace and integrity. The most obvious and memorable characteristics she displayed, however, were her indomitable faith and her complete trust in God. Although she chose to be comfortable in the shadow of the awesome presence that was her husband, Rev. Herbert Swaby, she was indeed an equal partner in the significant contributions they both made to the world. The influence they had and the gifts they both shared will not soon fade from this earth. Although her physical presence is so greatly missed by her family and friends, we all celebrate the remarkable life of this gentle, genteel woman and have certain faith that she is reunited with the soul of her life mate in the presence of God, The Almighty. The most cherished desire of her family is to live such lives that will allow us to be with both their spirits in the presence of Jesus Christ. Private services were held at Mountain View Mortuary. Entombment was a Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Colorado Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to: Presbytery of Pueblo, The Retired Minister's Relief Fund, 803 W. 4th St. Suite H, Pueblo, CO 81003.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jul. 8, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwendoline Swaby

21 Entries

Sallie Ross

July 27, 2005

Barbara,

You have honored your mother so well. May our Lord Jesus whisper that assurance to your heart. I am proud to be your friend and honored to hold you in prayer.

Sallie Ross

Edna Lewis

July 25, 2005

Dear Mama,

These words come from my heart. I know you don't want me to mourn over you. I hope you have reached home safely to Glory Land.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. She will do him good not evil all the days of her life. She streches her hands to the needy. Her husband is known in the church when he sits among the Elders. She opens her mouth to wisdom and righteousness."

Mama all your assurance was to go to your mansion that Jesus prepared for you. You did believe it. How are things at home? Have a sweet rest.

Your Caregiver,

Edna

Flo George

July 23, 2005

There are a few persons who have left you with life long memories and Dr. and Mrs. Swaby happen to be two such persons.I have had the privilege of sharing with the Swaby's family and the Iona community for quite sometime.This was an outstanding period in my life,moments I will forever treasure.They have served well on earth and I know they will both be rewarded by the creator. Dr. B Swaby be comforted that your parents were not only great soldiers but outstanding heroes.She is gone on to higher heights.

sybil wilson

July 22, 2005

Mother's going marks the end of an era; the end of a life lived for others; the beginning of another life where there is no pain, no sorrow, no loss and no fear; entry into a heaven of joy,light and lasting fellowship with her beloved husband and soul mate who went before to prepare for her.

Barbara, Winfield, David and Mrs. Lewis - my thanks to you for the extra-ordinary, loving and devoted care that you gave Mother over many years.

Love, Sybil

Rachel Pate

July 22, 2005

Grandma I know that you are in a much better place and that you are with Grandpa. I wish that I had been able to see you before you left. I love you very much and I will always remember what a beautiful person that you are. I love you.

Love

Your granddaughter

Rachel

Barbara Swaby

July 22, 2005

Dearest Mother,

What a splendid soul you were on earth! We were all graced by your amazing faith in God and your unchanging virtue and values. It was a privilege having you in our home for these eight years. You were such an uncomplaining soul. I know that you are now reunited with darling Daddy in the presence of God: exactly where you want to be. You have fought a great fight and surely, accomplished your goals on earth. You have used all your talents wisely and have shared them all with God's children. I love and admire you for the woman that you were and consider myself blessed to have been called your child.

Rest in peace, dear soldier. Your job on earth is done. I plan to be reunited with you and Daddy when God calls me home. May our family circle not be broken.

With love and deep appreciation.

Your Daughter,

Barbara Swaby

Winston Barrett

July 21, 2005

"I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." (John 14:18)

May you find comfort in God's words and in the knowledge that others sympathize with you in your loss.

Rev. & Mrs. Winston Barrett & Family

Savanna la Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica, W.I.

Yolandi Chamberlain

July 21, 2005

I have had the privilege of living with Minister & Mrs. Swaby for five as a boarder at Iona High School.

I have learnt and have been inspired by them alot.

I think the best thing that happened to me was when I was enrolled at Iona.

May her sould rest in peace.

(Sharon) Winsome Gooden

July 21, 2005

My family (siblings: Pansy and Winston; children: Michael and Yolande) and I were privileged to be a part of the Iona family. Minister and Mrs Swaby were were a great blessing to us - We look forward to meeting them again in eternity... Bless you Babs, Sam and your children - Love always

David Swaby

July 16, 2005

We miss you very much Grandma! We know that you have gone to a better place! Please save a space for all of us as we hope to see you again.

Norma Burton Brown

July 16, 2005

Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.

Eda Swaby

July 16, 2005

I joy with you in the satisfaction of your totally committed care of your mother over the years.

We look forward to reunion with her in eternity.

Beverly Snyder

July 11, 2005

Barbara - You and your family have my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your mother. I recall she has been ill for a long time; perhaps now there is some peace.

See you soon,

Bev

Polly and Len Yoblonski

July 10, 2005

Dear Barbara,Winfield,David,Rachel, and Dominique

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the irreplaceable loss of your dear mother and grandmother. You have been given such a rich and sweet legacy through her life,well lived.

God's Grace and Peace.

Carolyn Taylor

July 9, 2005

Although I never met Gwendoline Swaby her life has touched mine through Dr. Barbara Swaby's life. My prayers and thoughts are with Dr. Swaby and her family at this time.

Nancy Schumacher

July 9, 2005

My sympathies on the death of your Mother, Barbara. She & your Father certainly gave you an excellent start!

Lee and Ann Higgins

July 9, 2005

Your mother has gone from your loving care to God's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you look ahead to life without her.

Anand Thiagarajan

July 8, 2005

Barbara & Winfield -

Sajini and I convey our heartfelt condolences. We pray that God will comfort you during this time.

Dr. Kimberly Frazier

July 8, 2005

I can only imagine the significant impact of this loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Springs Community Church

July 8, 2005

Our prayers are with the Swaby family. May you feel the peace of our Lord & Savior during this difficult time as you cherish the memories of this gracious lady.

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