Marcella Theresa Schwenk
1936 ~ 2025

Schwenk
Marcella Theresa Seredynski was born in Calgary, Alta. on Oct. 25, 1936 at the Holy Cross Hospital. She was the youngest of five daughters born to Leopold and Malvina “Molly” Seredynski who emigrated from Poland and met in Manitoba.
Marcella was proud of her Polish heritage and shared many traditions with the family throughout the years.
Marcella grew up in Parkland, Alta. in a C.P.R section house where her father was a section foreman. She would always have a feeling of sentiment and joy for trains.
Marcella was one of the last two students to graduate Parkland Highschool in 1954 and then went on to become a Registered Nurse in 1957 training at the Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing.
She initially worked at the ‘Old Hospital’ in Castor and then later in life, after completing an R.N refresher course, she worked part-time at the Coronation – Paintearth Nursing Home and Coronation Hospital Complex until 1994.
Marcella met the love of her life, Herman Schwenk in 1957 and married at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary on Aug. 9, 1958. The marriage to Herman ended her ‘city life’ as she moved to Talbot, Alta. where she rapidly learned or “tried to learn things about being a farmer’s wife.” Marcella was a proud supporter of Herman’s farming career and positions in other organizations.
Herman and Marcella purchased a section of land in 1959 that had a house and barn on it. They moved into the house in February 1961 after they put in power and drilled a well.
Together they raised seven children, Anne (Andrew), Stephen (Lori), Helen (Stephen), Peter (Connie), Philip (Deena), Edward and Michael (Gail). She referred to them lovingly as “The Group of 7.”
Marcella’s faith was of utmost importance to her as only severe snowstorms would prevent her from attending Sunday Mass and she would watch Daily TV Mass.
She took piano and singing lessons from the Urseline nuns in Calgary growing up. She went on to be the pianist for many years at St. Anthony Parish in Coronation until it closed.
Marcella got great satisfaction from helping others as she was involved in the Catholic Womens League (CWL), Meals on Wheels, and organized activities at the extended care in Coronation, just to name a few.
Marcella enjoyed travelling, which stemmed from having a C.P.R. pass growing up. She never got tired of going on the train and would tell stories of travelling on the open observation cars through the mountains and how she could close her eyes and hear the clattering wheels, whistles and all the sounds of a moving train.
As the children got older, she and Herman were able to take “real vacations” which included train trips and cruises.
On Jan. 11, 2025 after 88 years, Marcella Theresa Schwenk completed her earthly journey in Castor, Alta.
Marcella is survived by her children: Anne (Andrew) Goodwin, Stephen (Lori) Schwenk, Helen (Stephen) Dewolfe, Peter (Connie) Schwenk, Philip (Deena) Schwenk, Edward Schwenk and Michael (Gail) Schwenk; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Sonja Smith, Evelyn Stoltz and Alberta (Bob) Vigen; as well as several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Marcella is predeceased by her parents Leopold and Malvina Seredynski; husband Herman Schwenk; sisters Leontyna Seredynski, Florence Krzyzewski, Helen Kaminski and Leona Baldwin; brothers-in-law Marian Krzyzewski, Stanley Kaminski, William Baldwin, Marcus Smith and Clifford Stoltz.
She touched so many during her life and will be greatly missed.
Funeral Mass was held on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish, Castor, Alta. with interment following at the Coronation Cemetery.
To view the Mass, visit www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com and click on Marcella’s obituary.
Donations in memory of Marcella are gratefully accepted to Paintearth Lodge, Box 209, Castor, AB. T0C 0X0 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family, please visit www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com. Parkview Funeral Chapels entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements, 403-882-3141 or 403-578-3777.