Dear Pat - what a wonderful, strong and supportive mother you were.  You will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.  I remember many lovely and touching things about you - however my first memory is visiting Carrie in the hospital after she had Garrett.  I was the first "non family member" to hold him.  As I was cooing into his little face, Mrs. Swift suddenly arrived.  She looked at me horrified (we had never met) and snatched Baby out of my arms.  She was protecting him at all costs from a STRANGER!  I saw the strength of her love for grandson and daughter at that moment. I was impressed and a little scared.  Of course, Carrie straightened things out and I was allowed to hold Garrett for a few more minutes under Grandma's watchful eye.  It took me 25 years to call her Pat (it was always Mrs. Swift!)..and we grew to be great friends...I have never seen a more dedicated parent. Her life was her children and grandchildren and of course, Pop Pop.  What an inspiration!  What a role model. What a MOM.

My grandmother can be described in many words. Affectionate, Compassionate, Funny, Impartial, Loving, Patient, Passionate, Persistent, Practical, Reliable, Sensitive, Suportive, Trustworthy, Vibrant, and so many more. Out of all that, her affection, compassion, and her undying support, were by far my favorites. From the time my cousin and I were kids, she would tote us all around town. From the apartment complex jungle gym all the way to Busch Gardens. She always put us first. She would comfort us in a time of need. Tickle us till we feel asleep. Listen when we needed someone to talk to and guide us. And she supported every dream we ever had, no matter how ridiculous. She taught me things books cannot. She taught me how to show empathy. She taught me how to never give up. But most importantly, how it's ok to make mistakes, and try again. She was a security blanket to me in the sense that, I always knew who to turn to in any situation. Good or bad, she was someone i had to tell my news to. She lit up watching me speak about my life, my friends, and my work. She truly put her family first. I will miss her, and life will certainly be different without her. But I'll always have her in my heart and in my mind. Guiding me, supporting me, and loving me. You did good Grammy. I love you, tell Poppop I said hello.

Momma Swift was just that, like another mom to me. She was a dear lady who loved her family.  With Carrie, as teenagers, would ride up to CW to ride around and see her mom at Tarpley's.  She was always excited to see us. Anytime we went over to Carrie's house, she always was very interested in what the girls were going to do.  There were times I wasn't comfortable in discussing certain things with my mom, a bit older/conservative, I could always talk to Momma Swift.  There were years when I hadn't seen her or Pop Swift, and they were always so welcoming.  She loved her family above all, like very few moms I ever knew.  Be in peace, Momma Swift.

OBITUARY

Kathryn Patricia Swift

27 June, 1938 – 21 July, 2016

Nelsen Williamsburg

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