Obituary of Olive May Kerr Swerhone

SWERHONE, Olive May Kerr (nee Derrick) Olive passed away peacefully on Saturday June 17th, 2017. Olive will be forever loved and missed by her four children: Daughter Valerie (Garnet) and their children, Jason (Kimberlee) Katie, Bailey, Parker; Jennifer (Paul) Christine, Tristan; Shawn, Kris, Alex, Georgina along with their Mom Katie; Graham; Nicole (Scott) Raelynne. Daughter Grier (Harry) and Grier’s daughter Olivia (Leah). Son Derrick (Cindy) and their children Sydney (Zach); Sam; Anwyn. Daughter Kerry (Ed) and Ed’s children, Kim (Darrell) Kacie (Dylan), Morgan; Darren (Marla) Bryn; Jayson (Twyla) Bailey, Abbey. Olive is survived by her two sisters-in-law Anne Swerhone and Genevieve Swerhone along with numerous nieces and nephews. Olive was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1980, an infant daughter Deborah, parents Oliver and Mary Derrick, brother George Derrick, sisters Margaret Derrick and Dorothy Hanley as well as her many brothers and sisters-in-law from both sides of the family. Olive received most of her education in Saskatoon along with the two years she attended school in Scotland. Upon graduation from Nutana Collegiate she followed her passion by attending the Saskatoon Normal School as well as the University of Saskatchewan to become a teacher. She found her niche teaching kindergarten and, in fact, after Olive and John married they moved to Canora, Saskatchewan where Olive started the first private kindergarten class in the local United Church basement. Her daughter Kerry was one of her first students. After John and Olive moved to Saskatoon in 1966 she taught kindergarten for the Saskatoon Public School Division at both Hugh Cairns and Haultain schools, shaping many young minds over the course of her career. Her Spring operettas were a labour of love for both her and her students and fondly remembered by all. After her retirement from teaching Olive did not slow down. She found herself on frequent trips to Scotland as well as many great adventures around Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. But her absolute favorite place on earth would have to be Cannon Beach, Oregon. She absolutely loved it when she got to spend time by the ocean. Olive loved nothing more than being with her family especially when celebrating holidays and birthdays. She would spend hours carefully picking out just the right cards for those special occasions. The words had to be perfect. Even then she would always take the time to underline the words that meant the most to her on those carefully chosen cards especially the ones she had found for her children and grandchildren. Olive had a great love for all animals. She was always so happy when she got to visit with her granddogs and grandcats and they truly loved her back, but they especially loved all the treats that seemed to magically drop to the floor out of each and every one of her pockets. Our Mom loved writing and reciting poetry and always had a poem that she had written for every occasion whether it be happy or sad. A special thanks to her granddaughter Olivia who has lovingly gathered and archived them for us to have and to cherish for many years to come. At this time we would like to extend a very special thank you to all those involved with Olive’s care over the past few months: Dr. Tracey Guselle from the West Winds Primary Health Centre for going above and beyond as well as the kind, caring staff and volunteers at Stensrud Lodge. WE LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU MOM In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Olive’s name to the Saskatoon SPCA, the CNIB or to Stensrud Lodge.