At Caressant Care on Bonnie Place, St. Thomas and formerly of Hensall on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Rachel Regina Schwalm (Skrabiuk) in her 100th year. Predeceased by her husband Gordon Henry Schwalm (1988). Loving mother to her 4 children: the late Patricia Rachel Coghlin (the late Donald Coghlin – 2012), Barbara Louise Schwalm (Calgary), Charles Gordon Schwalm (Calgary) and Marjorie Ellen Amerlinck (London). Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Rachel was born in Saskatchewan on October 2, 1919. The daughter of the late Metro (1954) and Pauline (Wowrow, 1987) Skrabiuk. Rachel was the sister of Pauline, Mary, Dorothy, Kathleen, Bill, Jim, and Sandy. Rachel was the sister-in-law of Marg and Bill Wayne, Florence and Don Perdue, Evelyn and Lee Schwalm, Ray Schwalm, Austin and Eva Schwalm, May and Art O’Hara, Mervyn and Pearl Schwalm, Laurene and Bob McKenzie, Nelda and Harold Hansen, Violet and Jack MacFarlane, and Karl and Barbara Schwalm. Predeceased by Gordon’s parents Peter Schwalm (1941) and Violet (Pfaff 1969). Rachel will be fondly remembered for her kind soul, gentle heart and generosity. She was always ready to help someone in need.
Friends and family may call at the Hensall United Church, 76 King Street, Hensall, on Saturday, July 20th from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, where the funeral service will be held at 2 PM with Rev. Darrell Shaule officiating. Interment Hensall Union Cemetery. Haskett Funeral Home, Zurich entrusted with arrangements.
Donations to the Huron County Food Bank would be appreciated by the family. A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Rachel Schwalm.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jan Van Stralen
I just saw this obituary… that she lived to 100! I was 7 when our family moved from Hensall but I will never forget her plants and the wonderful sweet smell of allspice in her kitchen from her baking. Every time I bake with allspice I think of her and her warm hospitality to my immigrant mother, Femmy Otten and to me as a little girl taking in all that goodness and kindness.
Ruth Smale Erb
To the Schwalm Family I as a child thought your mom was the most wonderful Lady She knew everything about plants, that you could eat, Then the flowers she would grow, To this day I think of Mrs Schwalm when i plant my granden, She told me to trust god to guide me and a little rain,Ruth Erb I lived in Hensall ,My Love to the Schwalm Clan
Linda & Jerry Traquair
Rachel was part of our Carmel Presbyterian family and later a Queen St. neighbour. She opened her heart and home to many folks, both young and old and was one of those stalwart folks who made growing up in the village a pleasant adventure. She was everywhere (almost) … at church, the post-office, the grocery store, always asking after one’s mother /children . Grass didn’t grow under her feet…so to speak…she did however have an amazing green thumb and the ability to sense when she was needed. Once, Rachel attempted to teach me to crochet using a bread bag…I did get there…it took a few years, but she was the inspiration, as she sat at the kitchen table with my Mom.
Rachel was a good friend to Mom, keeping Kathy & Jeff after school , while mom worked to support them. Rachel came from Saskatchewan, where Mom was born in the ‘Dirty 30s’. The Depression and resulting migration back east was something they both knew.
There’s a video taken on our wedding day, as we emerged, newly-wed from Carmel Church. There on the steps, the first to congratulate us, was Rachel. Bless her heart. I am sure she contributed to the meal served there as well.
Recently, I learned that Rachel was a friend of my paternal Grandmother, Letitia Robinson Sangster, who passed away when I was a toddler. I don’t remember my grandmother, but knowing Rachel was close to her, well I found that comforting. I sincerely hope Rachel’s family know how well-loved and respected she was and find their own memories, a comfort. To think she was looking forward to turning 100 this fall and still helping others. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Larry & Elsie Coulthard, St. Marys
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Thank you Marjorie for letting us know. Rachel was truly a special unique lady. Our second daughter Rachel is named after her. Your mother was truly kind & generous to everyone including my mother.
Barb Westlake-Power
Rachel was an extremely treasured neighbour for many years. Our children delighted in visiting her, and we were all fascinated by her many stories. I remember most about her, her generosity. She gave so freely and genuinely her time, always so very kind. There are few people more deserving of angel wings. Rest well dear, dear soul. ~the Power family
Donald Perdue
I will always remember my Aunt Rachel Schwalm with fond memories, as she was the person who taught me how to tie my shoes. I was six. Most other aunts or uncles or older cousins would tie my shoes for me, but Aunt Rachel was determined that I should learn how to tie my shoes, and we spent the morning doing just that, at her house, just around the corner from my Grandma Schwalm’s, and just around the corner from my Aunt Laurene’s. Her sister-in-law, Florence Perdue, my mom, remembers Aunt Rachel having a really big heart, always willing to do something for someone without even being asked, and being very talented at arts and crafts. We send our fond love and condolences to Barbara, Charley, and Marjorie, and the rest of her immediate family.
Susan Windle
What a lovely neighbour and a sweet soul. I remember her well. Godspeed Rachel.
Charmaine Dupuis
I lived in Hensall in 1988. I was 9 then. I would play with Rachel’s granddaughter and Rachel would make us tea and read the leaves. Always lots of fun at Rachel’s.
Marlene Ingram
I will always remember Rachael as a very caring person ,to her children so sorry for your loss.
Helen Graham (Tinney)
Rachel was a wonderful neighbour. She was a very hard worker but I don’t recall ever seeing her without a smile. Always kind to neighbourhood children, who knew they could count on Rachel’s cookies for Halloween. I still chuckle about the time she gave me a twig which she said would turn into a pear tree. I did nurture it and a few years later, we both got quite a surprise when I harvested a bushel of peaches.
Sybille Schaufler
I shall always fondly remember Rachel, and the many jaunts we took together, be that to a Horticultural Society event out of town, shopping in Exeter, etc. She would happily sing her favorite songs as we traveled along, or tell me many stories of her youth. She was so proud of her maternal grandfather, who had been in charge of the Lipizzaner horses at the royal staples in Austria, before coming to Canada. Thus I really enjoyed watching her excitement when I had the privilege of presenting her with a Lippizaner Horse Show in Goderich for her birthday many years ago.
Visiting her at Caressant Care I would find her helping other residents, pushing them around in their wheelchairs, and telling me excitedly how she was able to assist them playing games during their recreation time, just as she had done for many years previously while enjoying her ‘Day out for Seniors’ at Exeter Hospital.
Rest well, Rachel
Janis Bisback
Rachel was a wonderful neighbour,and friend. Everything was sacred to her. Every plant growing on her property had a purpose and she cared for seniors in her home for many years. A traveler, she visited exotic places before they were on anyone’s bucket list. Was privileged to assist her at Ciderfest where she donated her time and gift of reading tea leaves. She knew how to contribute generously to her community although she lived a frugal life. Rest In Peace dear Rachel.
Evelyn Vincent
I remember Rachel fondly from my days living in Hensall. A great women with a huge heart. Sincere sympathy to each of her family
Jackie Ferris ( McClinchey)
My memories of Rachel are something I’ve always treasured. I spent many days after school sitting with Rachel while she told me stories. I used to visit a lady that lived at Rachel’s from England Mrs Ivy she told me many stories about the royals. What a wonderful woman she was.