It is with heavy hearts that the family of Norma Elaine Swinamer, 80, of Chester, announces her passing at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Born in Halifax, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Violet (Newport) Rothwell.
In her early years, Norma briefly taught school before choosing to dedicate her life and energy to raising her family. She found immense joy in watching her family grow and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. An incredibly active woman, Norma was a long-time member of the Chester Curling Club, Chester Golf Club and was an active participant in a weekly winter bowling group—activities she passionately enjoyed until very recently. She was also a past member of the Chester Tennis Club. She and her husband, Malcolm, were deeply rooted in the Chester community, a place she truly loved. Norma was also an avid reader, a well-known face at the local Bookmobile, and passed her love for books down to her son, Graham. She will always be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her “tiny but mighty” personality.
Norma is survived by her loving husband, Malcolm; her sons, Graham (Betty Ann Buchanan) of Calgary, and Mark of Chester; her grandchildren, Keeli Spencer and Ashley (Riley) Brown; and her great-grandchildren, Brycen, Billie, Calgary and Zach, of Wolfville. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Rothwell of Halifax; grandaughter-in-law, Alicia Scott, Wolfville, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson, Kristopher Spencer, and her sister, Verna Greenough.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Chester, with Rev. Mark Pretty officiating. There will be no graveside ceremony. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Norma’s memory may be made to the Chester Fire Department or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #44, Chester.
Malcolm and the family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to her nieces, Dr. Deanna Swinamer and Carol Swinamer, her nephew, Carson Swinamer, and her caretaker, Wanda Collicutt, for the abundant kindness and support they so freely provided during this time.
