Zita’s Obituary
A remarkable woman admired and loved, who leaves behind far too many memories for a single lifetime.
Zita was born on February 23, 1941, in Poland to Katherina & Gustov Roland. Immigrating to Canada in 1949 with her mother and five sisters, they began a brand-new life on their uncle’s farm in Southey, Saskatchewan. Within a few years, the family moved to Moose Jaw where Zita would before long pursue a rewarding lifelong career in nursing. A journey in caring that began at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital soon led Zita to Saskatoon, followed by a move to British Columbia with her good friend Bee, where she practiced at Vernon’s Jubilee Hospital. Zita found herself coming full circle and returning back to Moose Jaw where she ultimately began her own private care home known as “Oxford Place”. She worked tirelessly to offer a caring, homelike atmosphere & enriched setting for seniors and their families. A naturally caring & nurturing woman, everything flourished under Zita’s precise care and gardening was without question a great passion for her. Meticulous lawns, flower beds and generously productive vegetable gardens were the result of great care and patience. Zita had a green thumb that could grow anything including famous cat grass! Caring for and feeding all creatures who enjoyed gathering in her yard from birds to squirrels, and before long homeless cats, Zita loved them all and looked forward to their visits. Her great compassion for feral cats who lived such difficult lives weighed heavily on her heart and she began to consider a plan of how a community could help to care for these outdoor neighbours. Before long, joining a dedicated team of hardworking individuals an organization known as “SCRAPS” was formed, with which Zita remained an active and proud member for more than a decade. Zita loved meeting new people & hosting gatherings with family and old friends. Throughout the years, she developed many wonderful connections and friendships. Among these memories were early times with her husband Ivan (Sonny) Shumay & their son Kirby, as well as many outdoor experiences she so enjoyed over the years. Zita’s treasured relationships with countless people in her lifetime included beyond all, her muched loved son Kirby, her extended family, 2nd husband Ken Swanson, and long-time friend and partner Walter Hetke, friends Audrey Damaur & Anne Marciszyn along with those who provided her with care at Crescent Park Villa, all provided links to inspire the evolvement of the woman, mother, and friend that she ultimately became. Predeceased by her sisters Annie, Erika & Frieda as well as her best friend Ruth Patterson. Zita is survived by her sisters Marie and Irma along with many nephews and nieces. She leaves an amazing legacy for all those who knew her, loved her, and were blessed to be a part of her life. In lieu of flowers, please celebrate & support Zita’s love for homeless animals by considering a donation to SCRAPS or Moose Jaw Humane Society. living memory of Zita, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Zita Swanson February 23 1941 May 26 2021..
Jones-Parkview Funeral Services
Décès pour la Ville: Moose Jaw, Province: Saskatchewan