Florence Swift, of Everett, WA, passed away on June 16, 2010, at the age of 91.
Born in Stanford, MT, on November 30, 1918, she moved with her family to a farm in Finlayson, WI, to Minneapolis, MN, and finally to Spokane, WA where she graduated from Lewis and Clark High School. In Spokane, she met and soon married Lester Swift on Christmas Eve, 1939.
During WWII, Florence lived in Seattle and worked for G. O. Guy Drugs while her husband was stationed out of Skagway, AK. Following the war, they returned to Spokane, built a home and lived there until the move to Everett’s Church of the Truth in 1963 to work in the ministry.
As a pastor and pastor’s wife, she filled many positions in the Church over the years, including a Dial-a-Prayer line.
As an avid writer, Florence had some articles and devotions published, but her most treasured writings were the history of both her DuPere family and the Swift family.
Years were spent alongside her husband in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, on board the “Ark” and then the “High Hope.” She enjoyed cooking “the catch of the day” in her galley.
Florence is survived by a daughter, Diana Van Notric and her husband Dan, of Day Creek, WA, four grandchildren, Joe and Deanna Van Notric, Heather and Michael Hoffman, Holly and Allen Grenz, and Jon and Kristine Van Notric, eight great grandchildren, Collin and Cameron Van Notric, Katie and Amy Hoffman, Jaeden Grenz, Jozalyn, Izabella and baby (due July, 2010) Van Notric. There are many other relatives and friends over the U. S. and Canada. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lester in 1996, five brothers, two sisters and her parents Joseph and Ellen DuPere.
A memorial service is scheduled for July 10, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Day Creek Chapel, 31438 S. Skagit Hwy., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Memorials are suggested to the Sister Connection Fund, C/O Day Creek Chapel. Florence will rest with her husband Les, and mother Ellen at Riverside Mausoleum, in Spokane, WA.
Dear Diana and Family,
I am sorry to have missed the memorial service for Florence. She was a very special person who lived her beliefs. I remember her most vividly when we lived next door to them on S. Elm St. in Spokane. She and my mother were angels in my mind. I will miss her presence in our world.
Love to all the remaining family.
Rod and Teresa Graham
Florence was my friend and mentor. I always loved her company and our outings together. She will be missed by our family. We love you Florence and you will always be in our hearts.
Dear Diana and Family
My prayers and Love go to you and your family. The loss of a mother, grand-mother, great grand-mother is a big loss. One who is full of love and thoughtfulness, so gentle is what she does and says.
I will miss her.
Diana I remember the times we played together as our parents visited, what fun we had.
Your mom is waiting for us to meet her in her new home.
I’ll see you there some day soon as we are all just passing through.
Love cj
Dear Diana and Dan and the rest of the loving family of Florence,
We send you our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss and celebrate the life of this wonderful and amazing woman-Florence Swift. Having had dinner with her on the 10th of June, we found her very radiant. That evening she remarked that life was such a treasure and she awakened every morning wondering with joy what the day would bring. She was so proud of her family! She said that she was wearing a sweater that you had picked out, Diana because you knew exactly what she would like. The world has been a better place with the life, love, and energy that Florence gave on a daily basis. David and I will be with you all in spirit on the day that you celebrate her life. With much love, Annadene and David