MANN-SWANSON Laurin

LAURIN MARIE MANN-SWANSON of Lethbridge, cherished wife of Don Swanson, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2012 at the age of 57 years, following a valiant battle with cancer.

Laurin was born to George and Nellie Mann on April 2, 1955 in Lacombe, AB. She attended public schools in Lethbridge and Boulder, CO and earned a BA in English and Drama from the U of L. Laurin then completed a MFA at the U of Oregon and, following her graduation with a Ph.D from the U of T, taught, directed and served as a choreographer during six years as a faculty member of TTU in Lubbock, TX. She also taught at the University of Lethbridge and Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Upon her return to Lethbridge, Laurin enjoyed working with staff at The Jasmine Room. Laurin loved to perform on stage both professionally and with many community theatre groups. She enjoyed reading a good book and watching a good movie. She loved her family and her animals deeply. Over the years, Laurin was a loyal Edmonton Eskimo and Oilers fan. She loved gardening and walking her beloved dog, Shy-Li. Laurin is survived by her loving husband Don Swanson, parents George and Nellie Mann, sister Debra Logan (Calvin), brothers David Mann (Janet Hinton-Mann) and Darin Mann, nieces Elisha and Kathleen Mann, nephews Derek and Patrick Logan, Don’s sons Justin and Jordan Swanson, and Justin’s children Angela and Donny as well as numerous relatives and dear friends, especially Karen Kay. Laurin was predeceased by her grandparents and her nephew Matthew Logan. The family is grateful for the compassionate care and support of Laurin by Dr. Ireland and the Palliative Care team, Marion West, Charmaine Dykslag and Maureen Smith from Home Care, and the Sunrise Village staff.  A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at ST. AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH, 411 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge with Canon James Robinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Laurin’s memory may be made online to P.A.W.S. at www.canadahelps.org or cheques may be mailed to: People’s Animal Welfare Society, 2300 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto, ON M1P 2R2. Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com. Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd. 610 – 4 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3  Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623 Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901 www.mbfunerals.com