Patricia W. Swan, 87, retired architect, resident of StoneRidge Retirement Community in Mystic, CT died after a brief illness, surrounded by her family and friends on January 23, 2012.
She was born on April 21, 1924 in Malden MA to Mary and Dewey Swan. She grew up in Greenwich, CT. She attended Antioch College then served in the Women's Army Core (WAC) from 1944-46. She graduated from Columbia University earning her architectural degree in 1951.
She worked for 35 years for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, an international architectural/engineering firm. She began her career in the New York office. In 1956 she became one of two women Participating Associates and in 1970 became an Associate Partner.
Pat was instrumental in developing and growing the Denver office of SOM from 1978 until she retired in 1986. Pat was known and honored for her consistent efforts at mentoring young designers and architects.
After retirement in 1986 Pat spent her summers on Block Island with family and friends. She devoted her time to the arts, as both an artist herself and an enthusiastic supporter of many others' artistic efforts. In Denver Pat chaired the Park Hill Art Association Annual Exhibit. At StoneRidge she chaired the Art Committee, establishing monthly retrospective and group shows for the community.
Pat is survived by a brother William Swan of Somers, NY, a sister Sandy Swan Gensemer of Block Island, 5 nieces: Lorie Sava of Stonington CT, Cyndi Lage of Springfield MA, Amy Swan of Mystic CT, Pam Goller of Franklin MA and Christi Skardon of Sleepy Hollow NY, as well as 8 grand nephews, 2 grand nieces, and 2 great grand nephews. She is also survived by her good friend, Rose Mastrangelo.
The family wishes to extend their enormous gratitude to the staff at Avalon Health Center and Beacon Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street, Mystic, CT on Feb. 11 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Friends of Niki Trench Garden at Avalon, c/o StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic CT 06355
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