FARMINGTON – Rita Swift, 97, of Farmington, formerly of Wilton, died Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2009, at Pinewood Terrace in Farmington.
She was born June 22, 1912, in St. George, Canada, the daughter of Edmond and Rachael Gendreau.
She received her education in Canada and in Maine schools and became a registered nurse, working at Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Farmington, (now known as FMH).
Mrs. Swift enjoyed 64 years of marriage to Howard E. Swift. He predeceased her on Nov. 13, 2004.
She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wilton and later St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Farmington. She was a former member of Tyngtown.
Mrs. Swift will long be remembered by many local children, particularly those in Wilton (Sunset Ave.), for her carved jack-o-lanterns and homemade popcorn balls… a longstanding tradition enjoyed by many.
Survivors include a son Peter Swift and his wife, Julie of Arizona; a daughter-in-law, Joanann Swift of Texas; 4 grandchildren; 11 Great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and friends. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by a son, Arthur Swift.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton, Thursday from 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 11 AM from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Middle St., Farmington. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton. Condolences may be sent to her family via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.
