At Berwick, one of the greatest privileges we have is getting to know the incredible people who call our communities home. Every resident brings with them a lifetime of experiences, passions, memories, and stories that continue to shape the vibrant culture within our communities today. From lifelong careers and adventures abroad to meaningful volunteer work and cherished family moments, these stories remind us that retirement living is not about slowing down, it’s about continuing to live with purpose, connection, and joy.
Dagmar (middle) and her siblings, arriving in Glenwood, Alberta in 1952
This month, we’re honoured to spotlight Dagmar Leunenberger-Swift, a compassionate leader, wine enthusiast, volunteer, and beloved resident at Berwick Retirement Communities. Dagmar’s story is one of resilience, generosity, and embracing every chapter of life with warmth and optimism.
Born in Switzerland, Berwick Royal Oak resident Dagmar Leunenberger-Swift immigrated to Canada at the age of three with her family of five in 1952, she remembers her early years growing up in Canada fondly. Growing up in a new country at an early age, Dagmar’s parents encouraged her siblings and herself to learn the English language and assimilate into Canadian culture. She remembers that living in a community as a newcomer has meant that, “You must be compassionate, passionate, and flexible; everyone has something they’re working through.”
Dagmar hosting a wine-tasting event
Dagmar is an active resident in one of our Berwick communities in Victoria. Acting as a driving force of positive change, Dagmar demonstrates an important leadership role in her community as a volunteer for a variety of active living events, making flower bouquets with residents, and painting festive Christmas cards to name a couple.
Dagmar working as a resident volunteer making bouquets
In 1989, Dagmar married the love of her life, Jim Swift, in Calgary, Alberta; the highlights of their life together include building a house on waterfront property in Nelson, BC, where they lived for fifteen years. Dagmar adored living in Nelson, as she says, the skiing was amazing, and there were countless opportunities to go hiking and boating. Nelson was very welcoming for newcomers moving there as Dagmar remembers, “This was what it was like for my husband and I, Nelson fulfilled so much for us at this time in our lives.”
Dagmar and Jim on their wedding day on October 12, 1989
A remarkable woman of incredible accomplishments, Dagmar has been a key support system for her community, one of which was spending time as a former fundraising chair at the SPCA. Her proudest accomplishment at the SPCA, one which stays close to her heart, was her initiative to ensure women experiencing domestic abuse in their relationships could have their pets taken care of, while they left their abusive partners.
A wine-enthusiast at heart, Dagmar contributes to the community through sharing her love of wine with residents for wine-tasting events – she is an amazing contributor to events at Berwick. For Dagmar, she has said that “wine isn’t about being snobby, the purpose of wine is to make memories for you and develop personable relationships alongside it.” Repeatedly Dagmar has proven that the opportunities are endless for residents to fulfill their passions in a close-knit community. Making the move to Berwick Royal Oak was one of the best decisions Dagmar and Jim have ever made; as she expresses with admiration, “We’ve come in as strangers, and now we’re a family.”
Dagmar and Jim in the Berwick Royal Oak dining room during a dinner event
Written by Bronte Denford
Bronte is a team member in marketing at Berwick head office in Victoria, BC, with a passion for writing and content creation. While not working in marketing at Berwick head office, she enjoys photography, reading, and spending time with her loved ones. You can find her photography blog with a simple Google search at https://bront.space/. She can also be found exploring her beautiful hometown of Victoria with her camera in her spare time.