Patricia M. Swanson, active in community

Patricia M. Swanson, 90, of Lewes, passed away at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. She was born in Haverstraw, N.Y., attended local schools and went on to Ladycliff College where she received her bachelor’s degree.

After beginning a career in teaching, she went on to earn her master’s degree at Columbia University.

Upon her marriage to Ernest "Rudy" Swanson, she moved to Park Ridge, N.J. While residing there, she served on the library board, and various other civic committees. She was a member of the Pascack Jr. Women’s Club and the Pascack Historical Society.

During this time she also raised a daughter, Gaiana, and a son, Eric, and upon the retirement of her husband, they moved to Bethany Beach, and, later on, to Lewes.

While living in Lewes, she was an active member of the First Town Club, the Zwaanendael Women’s Club for which she edited the annual Lewes Phone Book for many years, and the American Association of University Women, for which she chaired their annual fundraiser for many years, and was also a member of the Lewes Historical Society. In the year 2006 she was cited by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner for her years of volunteer work in the community.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rudy; and her son, Eric. Her daughter, Gaiana passed away 10 years ago.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m., at St.Peter's and St. Mary's Church, 115 Broadway, Haverstraw, with interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Haverstraw.

Viewing will be held Friday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.

Please visit Mrs. Swanson's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.