Anne Elizabeth Swinarton (nee Baker)

Passed away in the comfort of her own home in Lindsay, Ontario on June 29, 2026. Now at rest with her beloved husband William Swinarton (predeceased 2002). Anne leaves behind her three cherished daughters Carole Gardner (Robert), Kelly Richardson (David) and Laurie Swinarton. Loving mother of Katherine Swinarton (predeceased 1958). Loving grandmother of Matthew Clifford (Tammy), Christine Clifford (Mal Spice), Jeremy Swinarton (Kelsey Goforth), Danielle Richardson, Deryk Richardson, Blake Gardner (Amanda Naschke) and David Richardson Jr. (Mirada). Proud great grandmother of Gavin Clifford, Hunter Clifford, Ayla Clifford, Hayden Gardner and Brooklyn Gardner.

Anne was born in her grandmother’s house on Lamb Avenue, Toronto to Reginald Baker and Annie Baker (née Smith) on May 8, 1936. The house was near the Canada Bread factory and Anne fondly recalled that the neighbourhood smelled “heavenly” as the scent of fresh baked bread filled the morning air. Her most fond childhood remembrances, though, were in and around the family home on Queensbury Avenue in the Birch Cliff neighbourhood of Scarborough where she lived from 1939 to 1952.

The family remember Anne as a wonderful storyteller who had an exceptional memory and an amazing ability to bring her childhood to life through her reminisces. She shared many stories with her family in person, through diaries and documents, and through her carefully organized photo albums. We’re indebted to her for so lovingly maintaining our family memories.

Anne’s birthday now coincides with VE (Victory in Europe) Day. One memory she was fond of sharing happened on her 9th birthday (May 8, 1945). She recalled air raid sirens, tears streaming down the face of her teacher upon learning that the war had ended, and neighbourhood parades and celebrations that followed this momentous day.

For Anne, one of the most special times of year was Christmas. She was in the Toronto Santa Claus parade for three years, one of her favourite Christmas songs was Toyland, and a favourite Christmas movie was The Polar Express. She had enchanted childhood recollections of Christmas displays at the Toronto Eaton's store and she made sure to provide a magical world for her children and grandchildren for Christmas, holidays, and special occasions as she knew these memories would shape and sustain us.

Anne met the love of her life, Bill Swinarton, at Scarborough Collegiate Institute (now R. H. King Academy) when she was in grade 11. Their first date was at the Canadian National Exhibition in 1952, they became engaged on her 18th birthday, and they were married, surrounded by family and friends, on October 7, 1955 at Scarborough Baptist Church.

Family was at the centre of Anne’s world and she helped to fill our home on Howell Square, Scarborough with many memories. Some of the most enduring family stories are of travel including trips to Florida, California, New England, Niagara Falls, the United Kingdom, and Europe along with one madcap journey to find a golden treasure in the mountains of Colorado.

Anne had a variety of talents and interests and filled our worlds with cooking and baking, sewing and handicrafts, gardening, pets, laughter (sometimes tears), and a wide range of conversational topics. She volunteered and fundraised for a variety of organizations and set us many examples of compassion.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Anne was a talented piano player and she filled our home with music. She was always willing to teach us chords and how to read music. She did so with patience. She enjoyed going to musical theatre, concerts, and the Nutcracker Ballet.

Along with music, an enduring sound in our lives will always be the sound of Anne cheering (and sometimes booing) the Blue Jays’ ballgames. She was a true and dedicated fan.

As we celebrate her life, we remember that Anne provided her family with love and warmth. We knew her as a person we could confide in and lean on. We knew she was our number one supporter. She provided us with many examples of strength and resilience. Most importantly, whether in Scarborough or Lindsay, she gave us a place to call home.

We are blessed with our memories and we are bound together by her love.

These things will always be part of the fabric of our lives.

In keeping with Anne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life held at Lakeland Funeral Centre on Sunday, July 12, 2026 between the hours of 12pm and 2pm.

Anne had a great deal of compassion for animals and shared her life with many rescue cats, including her beloved Gracie. She passed on her love of animals to her family. In memory of Anne, memorial donations can be made to The Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes.