Virginia Drace Swanson

Virginia Drace Swanson died December 12, 2011 at her residence. Virginia was born June 12, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Virgil and Mary Drace. Her family moved to Gallup, New Mexico, when she was five years old and to Espanola, New Mexico when she was nine years old. When she was in junior high, she returned to Gallup and lived with her paternal grandmother, who ran a hotel. Virginia graduated from Gallup High in 1942, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University in 1948 and a Master's degree from Colorado State University in1977. Virginia married Vern Swanson in 1947. They had three children, Susan, 1949, Vern Jr. 1952 and John, 1956. The family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1956. The family went to Ames, Iowa for two years where Virginia began her teaching career. The family returned to Fort Collins and Virginia continued her teaching career. She taught in the Poudre R-1 school system for 27 years. The last two years she developed and implemented a keyboarding program for elementary schools. When Virginia retired, she "did all the things she could not do when she was teaching," She enjoyed her family, especially the grandchildren, friends, played golf, was an active member of Chapter G of PEO, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Ft. Collins Country Club, bridge clubs, book club, and in a health club program. She was a big fan of the Denver Broncos and CSU Rams. Survivors include her daughter Susan Wells of Fort Collins, sons Vern B., Jr. of Denver and John D. of Brisbane, Australia. Six grandchildren Jono and his wife Caitlin of San Francisco, California , Meghan and Joey of Denver; Brooke, Jack, and David of Australia. Wonderful in-law children, Robbie of Denver, Sherri of Australia and Gordan Wells of Fort Collins. Step-grandchildren are Matthew Wells and his wife Stephanie, son Wesley of Ft. Collins Aubrey Baar her husband, Chris and daughters, Vivian and Lucia of Atlanta, Georgia. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, December 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2000 Stover Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2000 Stover Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 or The Children's Clinic, 114 Bristlecone Dr., Fort Collins, CO, 80524.