Swanell Lenora Elizabeth O'Brien

October 9 1933 to June 6 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Swanell Lenora Elizabeth O’Brien, a woman whose love, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her.

A wonderful, loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Aunt, Sister and friend to all. Predeceased by her beloved husband Jim in 2022, her son Michael, brother Jack and sister Margaret Ann.

She will be missed by her brother Doug, daughter Shannon, sons Kelly (Cheryl) and Kevin, Grandchildren Michael, Erin (Kevin), Kody (Kalena), Lukass and Kayleen and Great Grandchildren Haylee, Keena, Talis, Kacie and Konlin as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Swanell spent her early years in New Westminster, then finished high school in Coquitlam where she met and married her high school sweetheart Jim. They had their four children there. She worked at Super Valu both as a cashier and bakery manager which she gave up in favour of milking cows when they moved to Abbotsford. A few years later moving to Langley she returned to work at both Supervalu and Safeway. Retirement loomed there was a move to the Okanagan, where they had a ranch raising quarter horses and Herefords. Their final move was back to the valley Chilliwack, and then Agassiz.

During retirement besides ranching they spent 33 winters travelling in their truck and camper and then truck and fifth wheel and finally their motorhome to places south. They also had a few trips to Mexico and Europe, enjoying life.