Dawn R. Swan

Dawn Reed Swan of Southbury, CT passed peacefully from this life on May 10th, 2021. She is now with her beloved Broadalbin, NY High School sweetheart, Thomas McCaffery Swan, whom she was married to for 58 years. Dawn was born on January 1, 1931 and was often referred to as the “Dawn of the New Year” by her parents, Frank and Eliza Reed. Dawn was predeceased by her beloved husband Tom and their son Michael, as well as brothers Jack and Dale Reed of Broadalbin, NY.  She is survived by her children: Gregory (Cynthia), Ellen, Tom (Carrie), Peter (Nan), Mark (Cyndy), Tricia (James) Reilly, as well as Michael’s wife Julie.  Dawn absolutely adored being “Grandma”, Crista, Tom, Todd, Jeff, Brad, Jamie, Colin, Chris, Megan, Matt, Michael and Emma as well as her great grandchildren; Christian, Adrian, Bella, Rhett and Burke. Dawn was fond of and enjoyed staying in contact with her nieces and nephews the “Reed Clan” Jack, Roxanne, Bruce, Brad, Missy and Hilary. Dawn is also survived by her in-laws John and Rae Swan, their children Eric and Mary Kay as well as John and Mary (Pitt) Gijanto. 

Dawn graduated nursing school and began her career at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital in NY before becoming the ultimate “Mom”.  In 1968 Tom’s job promotion required them to relocate from AZ to CT so, two days after Christmas, Dawn coordinated flying with 7 kids, under the age of 15, across the country. Dawn shuffled kids around town, shopped and prepared meals for her family and the kids friends (plus pets), massive “Back to School” clothes shopping excursions, attending and supporting the football, soccer, Little League, cheerleading, gymnastic and swimming events her children were involved in.  Her nursing skills were often called on while raising her 7 children!  In Weston, CT Dawn was an active member of Saint Francis of Assisi parish creating beautiful floral arrangements for Sunday Mass and weddings. After retirement Dawn and Tom moved to St. Simon’s Island, GA and enjoyed all the activities island life offered, most especially their many dear friends and exploring the world together.

While living at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, Dawn continued her love of flower arranging for the dining tables, welcomed new residents and participated in art classes, day trips and keeping up on current events. She was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter Q.

Throughout her life Dawn filled the room with laughter, strength, compassion, good food and above all grace. One of her grandchildren described her as “the heart, the calm and the balm of the Swan family.” She was beloved, adored and taught us many life lessons most importantly in her final days on earth. Dawn was “the safe harbor from life’s stormy seas” not only for her family but also for those who loved her as their second mom. Those who have lived in your heart never truly die, she will live on in our hearts while dancing with Tom in Heaven! Memorial donations may be made to the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association at rvnahealth.org. or 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

A Celebration of Dawn’s life will be held at the Munson-Lovetere  Funeral Home, 235 Main Street N., Southbury, CT on May 16th 2021 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church, 7 North Street, Broadalbin, NY on September 25th, 2021 at 11:00AM.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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