LEICESTER-Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Rowe) Swan, 83, of Franklin St. died Sunday morning, December 2nd, at The Meadow's Rehabilitation Center in Leicester. Her husband of 56 years, John V. "Vin" Swan Sr. died in 2004. She is survived by 3 sons, John V. "Jay" Swan, Jr., and his wife Susan of Woodstock, CT, Frederick J. Swan and David W. Swan both of Leicester; 2 daughters, Helen Marie, wife of Richard Harris of Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK and Marybeth, wife of Douglas Bardot of Windham, CT; 2 granddaughters, Elizabeth M. Swan and Allison J. Swan both of Woodstock, CT; a brother William F. and his wife Florence Rowe of Wilmington, NC; numerous nephews and nieces. Two sisters, Beverly Mara and Barbara Maher predeceased her.
She was born in Melrose on August 25, 1924 the daughter of Frederick V. and Agnes E. (O'Brien) Rowe. After her marriage Mrs. Swan lived in Worcester and moved to Leicester in 1953. She was a graduate of St. John's Hospital School of Nursing in Lowell, MA and did graduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Swan was a registered nurse for more than 35 years, serving on the staff of the former City Hospital, Fairlawn Hospital and Marillac Manor all in Worcester and did private duty nursing throughout the Worcester area. Mrs. Swan and her late husband were founding members of St. Pius X Church and the H.E.L.P. organization, a community based social service agency, both in Leicester. In addition she served on the board of Archway in Leicester and was an active member and Past President of the Leicester Women's Club.
The funeral is Friday, December 7th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 1154 Main Street, Leicester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. The family will meet with friends on Thursday, December 6th, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. The family respectfully requests that flowers be omitted and donations may be made to McAuley-Nazareth Home for Boys, 77 Mulberry St., Leicester, MA 01524.