We Remember
TAYLOR-SWABY, Andrea Christine
January 19, 1976 — July 29, 2016
If you were fortunate enough to know Andrea, you know she hated anything sugar-coated (unless it was powdered sugar on her flourless chocolate cake). So here’s what happened. Andrea developed a rare, aggressive breast cancer. She and Todd faced it head on. For 10 months, they did every possible treatment while, somehow, still getting on with the joyful business of life. Andrea died at home, her soulmate at her side. The solace is in how she lived. Andrea was born and raised in Kelowna. After a stint in Whistler, she landed in Vancouver where she spent 10 years working and collecting an impressive catalogue of stories and (mis)adventures to share at future dinner parties. In 2005, she returned to the Valley to follow her passion for wine. Turns out, she found another passion that year: Todd. Before long, they began a new chapter, with Andrea as Todd’s partner and mother to three sons then aged 2, 4, and 10. Her willingness to embrace all four Swaby boys, Brady-bunch style, says so much about Andrea’s open heart. (Not to mention her remarkable courage!) In 2014, on a magical day in Mexico, they added husband and wife to their story. From childhood, there was little that Andrea set out to do that she did not quickly master: softball, skiing, volleyball, dancing, cards…with one notable exception. Golf! She was a loving and hands-on mom, talented chef, fierce competitor, and enthusiastic participant in everything, especially the Fests: Wine, October, & Rib! She was respected across the wine and hospitality industries for her work ethic, candour, and leadership. She was truly beautiful, inside and out. Left to remember her radiant smile, wicked sense of humour, and the sheer force of her spirit: her heart’s true love, Todd Swaby; their sons Jaedon, Keaston, & Ashton; mother Cheryl Taylor; father Bob Taylor (Carrie); sister Ashley Brain; brother Troy Zohner; mother-in-law Shirley Ann Swaby; and a host of admirers including aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends. There will be a private gathering (read: party!) to honour her life and a charity in her name is being established. Details to follow. In the meantime, celebrate her memory with a glass of bubbly and your favourite cheese. Cheers to you, our beloved Andrea, your light shines on! Keep in touch! Please share your stories and photos at: RememberingAndreaTaylor@gmail.com.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
To Andrea’s Mom Cheryl and Husband Todd and Children,
We only met Andrea a couple of times but she made a lasting impression on us. We thought she was a real sweetheart. We are so sorry for your loss of this very lovely girl. She is gone far too soon and the world is a sadder place without her. May she rest peacefully.
Ray and Marie Clark.
Andrea’s eulogy is as beautiful as her. She was a joy to be around, honest, fun and fair. We had such a great visit when
you here in Vancouver in May. Our love goes out to my Sister Cheryl and Andrea’s Husband, Todd and the boys. Our hearts are broken! We will be there for you when her Memorial is held. A bond that was nurtured from our Mother and
Father that cannot be broken in our family. We love you!
Auntie Ruth & Uncle Glenn.
I heard at the time that Andrea passed away. I did not know there was a way I could share my condolences. Andrea’s face came up on an unrelated internet search just now, the internet is a strange and lasting thing. I met Andrea in gr.8 at George Pringle. While we weren’t close after high school I was always happy to see her smiling face and catch up on life. Seeing her photo brought me to tears and brought me to this page. She is gone but not forgotten. I hope all of her loved ones are healing. -Whitney