Zwaantje "Swansie" Knight (nee Grit)

Born in Berkem, Overijsel, the Netherlands, on October 30, 1943, she lived a life defined by kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

In 1951, Swansie (Zwaantje) immigrated to Canada with her parents, Ralph and Christina Grit, and her siblings Klaas, Luke, John, and Geraldine. The family eventually settled on a farm in East Garafraxa—formerly known as the “Grit Corner,” and now recognized as the “Marsville Corner.”

Swansie was the beloved wife of George (predeceased), and a devoted mother to David (Noreen), Louise (Steve), and Greg (Cheryl). She was a cherished grandmother to Jacob (Samantha), Emma (Marcus), Jessica (Ben), Sarah, Jennifer, Travis (Britney), Cody (Maddie), and Mikayla (Tanner), and the proudest great grandmother—“GG”—to Scarlett, Aspyn, Davis, Blair, Barrett, and three eagerly awaited great grandchildren.

She will also be deeply missed by her siblings and siblings in law: John (Harma) Grit, Geraldine (predeceased—Bill) Kegel, Val (predeceased—Klaas) Grit, and Luke (Gail) (both predeceased) Grit and their families.

Swansie met the love of her life, George Knight, in 1962, and they were married in 1963. Together, they built a life rich in family, love, and meaningful connections. We take comfort in knowing they are together again on their next journey.

She worked at Graham Fibreglass for 10 years before joining the Erin Post Office, where she sorted and delivered mail across many routes in the Town of Erin. Many of Swansie’s grandchildren proudly served as her righthand helpers on her mail routes during her self-proclaimed special occasions. She also had a talent and passion for knitting, creating countless hats, scarves, and mitts with love and care.

She was a proud resident of the Town of Erin until 2023. She then moved to Dufferin Oaks Long Term Care in Shelburne, where she grew to love the residents and staff who quickly became an extension of her family. She was especially proud to serve as President of the Resident Council, where she advocated wholeheartedly for the well being and needs of her fellow residents.

She had an undeniable love for music, especially artists like George Jones and Elvis Presley. When her beloved George passed, she found strength and comfort in the memories they shared—made even more meaningful through the music they loved together. Songs such as “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones and “When I Get Where I'm Going” by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton held a special place in her heart.

Swansie was the Toronto Blue Jays’ biggest fan and was well known for being a passionate (and vocal) armchair coach. She was also fond of cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the Jays' off season. She embodied bravery, strength, and beauty. You would be hard pressed to find someone as humble, kind, compassionate, free spirited, innocently hilarious, selfless, or strong. She wore a smile right up until it was time to begin her next journey.

Following her wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at Hart House Farm (Caledon) on June 6th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Erin Fire Department.

There are no good-byes, wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts and remain the matriarch of our families.