Sister Celeste Swan
February 2, 1942 – December 14, 2024
Marlene Swan, the daughter of George and Louise (Urbach) Swan was born when her father was in the Second World War. Due to her father’s absence, she was given special attention. When her father returned home, she became “daddy’s little girl.” Later, Marlene had a brother, Peter, and sister, Margaret.
Marlene attended St. Patrick’s School in Galt, Cambridge, Ontario (ON). Her contact with the sisters there enkindled the thought that she might become a sister. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener, ON. A retreat for girls interested in religious life held at the motherhouse in Waterdown, ON strengthened her determination to become a School Sister of Notre Dame.
She entered the candidature in 1960, was received as Novice Celeste in July 1961 and professed her first vows in July 1962.
Sister Celeste taught at several locations in Ontario: St Stephen School in Cayuga, Sacred Heart School in Mildmay, St. Teresa School in Kitchener, St. Boniface School in Maryhill, and Rene Goupil School in Aroland. In British Columbia she taught at Cloverdale Catholic School, and Sacred Heart School, Ladner.
The Chief of Grassy Narrows (Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation) requested a “religious group to respond to the spiritual hunger and the need of his people, especially the youth.” From 1983 to 1989 Sister Celeste lived on the Reserve of the Ojibway community at Grassy Narrows, ON. She was honoured with a white eagle feather and the Asubpeeschoseewagong name Megezeequ, Eagle Woman.
Sister Celeste was involved in pastoral ministry in Ontario at Sacred Heart Parish in Kitchener, St. Ambrose Parish in Cambridge, Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Brantford and in Saskatchewan at Sacred Heart Parish, Regina. She also assisted at St. Martin’s Manor in Hamilton, ON, a home for unwed mothers.
Sister Celeste received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo, ON. Where she also took courses in Art, Music, Science and Social Studies in preparation for teaching her elementary students.
Sister Celeste spent many hours knitting various articles of clothing. Before Christmas she would give large shopping bags of her knitting to the Brothers of St. John of the Cross in Hamilton to distribute to the needy.
She had a great sense of humour. Even during her last illness, she would say something witty to the medical staff assisting her.
Sister Celeste was gifted in writing. She wrote a poem titled, Winter. “Brightness, brilliance, glistening snow…. The day brings happy feelings.” She submitted this poem to the National Library of Poetry.
Sister Celeste died peacefully early in the morning 14 December 2024 at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON. Her Funeral Mass, celebrated by Rev. Michael McHugh 21 December 2024 was attended by her sister, Margaret McGlynn, and other relatives along with members of the SSND community. Interment took place in the SSND section of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Burlington, ON.
We trust that Celeste is experiencing happiness in the brilliance of heaven.
By Sister Joan Helm, SSND
