Obituary for Isobel Swain
We regret to report the death of Granny Isobel, lovingly known as Granny Hip or Muddish, who was born on 23rd September 1928 and passed away peacefully on 13th August 2025, aged 96 years. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest person on the island.
Born Isabelle Annie Lavarello, she was the eldest of four children of the late Percy and Gertrude Lavarello. On 23rd July 1947, she married Louis Swain, and together they raised six children: Stanley, Douglas, Marlene, Shirley, Julian, and Mark.
Granny Isobel was known by all who met her as a kind, caring, and gentle woman, always smiling and ever willing to help anyone in need. Her family was the centre of her life. She never took paid employment, instead dedicating herself wholeheartedly to caring for her children and, later, her grandchildren while their parents worked.
In 1961, she was evacuated to the UK with her family following the volcanic eruption, with her youngest child just five months old at the time. Throughout her life, she was tireless and hardworking, spending long days working alongside her family at the Potato Patches. Like many women of her generation, she carded and spun sheep's wool, knitting jumpers, socks, and pullovers, and she was seldom seen without her knitting close at hand.
Granny Isobel's warmth, generosity, and quiet strength touched many lives. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her countless acts of kindness.
She is survived by her brother Cheseldon; sister Joan; her children Stanley, Julian, Mark, Shirley, and Marlene; their spouses; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews. Her legacy of love and care will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her.