With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cheryl Irene Swain (nee Hainstock) on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Cheryl will be lovingly remembered by her best friend and husband of 54 years Carmen, daughter Donna, son Darren (Lisa Prokopchuk) and grandson Dustin Dyck (Jennifer Meadows). She was predeceased by her mother Irene, father Cecile Hainstock, stepfather Frank Garner, mother-in-law Irene Hull and her beloved feline companion of 20 years Miss Whiz. Cheryl was born in Rosetown, SK on May 15, 1947. Her father Cecile passed away when Cheryl was an infant. Cheryl and her mother Irene together became a fabulous and inseparable duo throughout her childhood on the family farm. Cheryl’s sense of style, poise and strength were characteristics she gained from her mother. At the age of 18 years, Cheryl met the man of her dreams Carmen, and their beautiful journey began. They were married on January 11, 1966 and soon thereafter started a family. With their young family they moved to Beinfait, SK. Cheryl began working at Safeway (Estevan, SK), where she found her love of connecting with people and many customers grew into friends. While in Bienfait, Cheryl’s family grew as she found a sister-friend in Angie Knight (husband Gord, children Arlette, Clayton and Wayde). Together the two families shared many camping trips to the Black Hills and spent countless laughs with bottomless cups of coffee. The family moved to Brandon in 1984, where Cheryl began working at the Co-op (propane division). She worked alongside her husband Carmen, although Carmen was the Regional Manager all knew that Cheryl was the boss. There she became a mentor, counselor, mother figure and lifetime friend to her Co-op family and clients. Upon retirement in 2014, Cheryl fulfilled her lifetime dream to attend university. Cheryl took courses in Sociology and Psychology at Brandon University. Using her old school methods consisting of pen and paper, she passed all her exams and courses. She proudly wore her BU backpack on campus, with Carmen meeting her after class to carry her books. She became an inspiration for fellow students whom she became friends with and made priceless connections with her professors. Summers were spent together with Carmen at their longtime seasonal campsite in Killarney, and at home sharing laughs with her cherished neighbors and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed their long walks, usually ending up at McDonald’s having coffee, with her many special friends. She loved her winter vacations at their favorite resort in Bucerias, Mexico, which became Cheryl’s favorite home away from home. There she met many wonderful friends that she kept in touch with. Cheryl touched many lives, she listened with a golden heart, gave guidance with a gentle hand, told small stories large and celebrated life to the fullest. The family will cherish Cheryl’s memory at a private service. Donations in memory of Cheryl may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 – 17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.

LIVE – every moment as I did
LOVE – beyond words as I did
LAUGH – every day as I did