Grace C. Swanson

Grace C. Swanson passed away on January 15, 2019 at her home in Fort Collins. She was born August 20, 1932 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the only child of Ellen (Bowman) and William Cutler. Grace lived in several states but happily called Colorado home since 1970. Grace was a strong, independent, unselfish and unique woman that had the rare ability to reach people in a deep and positive way, making a person feel important and unconditionally loved. Grace truly was a person who had never met a stranger.

As a young adult in Cleveland, Ohio, Grace wrote sentiments for American Greeting cards. She went to Hiram College hoping to teach French. Instead, circumstances helped her find her calling as a mother and homemaker. Later in life she found great joy working with pre-school children at Children's House Montessori School. She inspired all to create their own paths to happiness.
Grace had a wonderful sense of humor. She felt there was great healing power in laughter. Her grandchildren remember her storytelling and creating games likes "leaps and bounds" and "spitball tag" to keep them entertained. On more than one occasion ice cream sundaes were served for dinner when Granny was babysitting.

Life was an adventure for Grace. She was naturally curious and loved learning and expanding her mind by travelling, reading, observing and conversation. She was an artist that exercised her imagination by putting pencil to paper and recreating the western landscapes she loved. Some of her fondest memories came from visiting Hawaii, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and camping on her land in Red Feather Lakes. She found wonder in the details of the natural world that God created for our enjoyment. She believed it was God in his mercy that gave her the freedoms and blessings she enjoyed.

Grace cherished her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. When her children were young, Grace made sure their humble home was full of books and poetry, music, laughter and fun and was a place where everyone was welcome, including many beloved dogs that found their way into Grace's heart and home.

Grace is survived by her children, Christine Bartholomew (William Antonello), Gregory Papadakis and Paul Stefancic (Nadeem Chohan), nine grandchildren (Lisa Mozilo, Benjamin Gibson (Fawn), Rachel Carter (Josh), Matthew Ingersoll, Julie Hill, Betsy Holman (James), Kaela Atkinson (Philip), Lacey Papadakis, and Phillip Papadakis), and eight great-grandchildren (Olivia, Calliope, Ellie, Skye, Owen, Azure, Hunter and Camden). Grace was preceded in death by three of her children; Cindy Bartholomew, Kathy Bartholomew Gibson, and Matthew Swanson and son-in-law Edward Gibson.

As Grace loved springtime and the renewal of the earth, a graveside memorial service and celebration of life will take place on May 25, 2019 at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider doing a random act of kindness for a stranger or sharing a meal with someone less fortunate. Grace would like that.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Irene, Angie, and Gelly and the staff of Pathways Hospice for their care and support and to the staff of Bohlender Funeral Chapel for helping another member of our family go home comfortably.

Bon nuit, Grace. You are loved. You will be missed.