Swain, Samantha Jo (1986-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Feb 7 p. 20

Birth date: 1986 Jan 10

text of obituary:

SAMANTHA JO SWAIN

Samantha Jo Swain was fatally injured in a car crash in Brandon, Man. Dec. 4. She was born Jan. 10, 1986 in Regina. Sammie came into foster care in early childhood and came to live with Bill and Marianne Hildebrandt at age 2 along with siblings Tracey, Tara and Kyler. She accepted Christian faith at age 5. She enjoyed Turtle Mountain Bible Camp and came away from her last year of teen camp with a renewed sense of commitment. She loved swimming, horseback riding, hiking, track and field, crafts, art, piano, cooking, baking, Pioneer Girls and, in Caronport, Sask., kids choir and junior youth. She later moved to Cartwright, Man. to live with Tom and Diane Miller and to Brandon, where she worked at Maple Leaf and moved into an apartment with her friend Nicky, but she stayed in touch with the Hildebrandts. She was planning to return to high school in January. She is remembered for her resilience, zest for life, generous spirit and ready smile. She is survived by her birth mother Loretta Swain; foster parents Bill and Marianne Hildrebrandt; and siblings Stephanie Hildebrandt, Kelvin Hildebrandt, Tracey Gray, Kathy Hildebrandt, Tara Swain, Kyler Swain and Bill Swain.