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Vicki Swanson Obituary
"I was born Aug. 26, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minn., the daughter of Constance Swanson Bears and Harold Swanson, and the late William (Bill) Bears of Gardiner. I graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1971 and worked at the Maine State Board of Nursing for over 36 years. I was a member of the Highland Avenue United Methodist Church in Gardiner.
"I am predeceased by my father, Harold Swanson; step-father Bill Bears; sister Cynthia (Cindy) Howell; and my beloved dog, Adam. I am survived by my mother, Connie Bears, of Gardiner; two daughters, Michelle Lynn and her husband, Joshua Berard, of Augusta; Rae-Lynn Cronau and her companion, Steven Mayo, of South China; sister Elizabeth "Liz" and her husband, John Snider, of Arizona; one grandson, Talan Mayo, of South China; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
"I want to thank everyone who has been with me through my illness, including, but not limited to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Spaulding Rehab, Harold Alfond Cancer Center, Drs. Andrew Wagner and Jonathan Carlson, Road to Recovery, Connie Graham, Sandy Ritchie, Nancy Taylor, and of course, my family and friends."
Vicki wrote this obituary, but has omitted how much her courage and strength were an inspiration to those who knew her. From the pre-diagnosis period, through the surgeries, rehabilitation, chemotherapy and radiation, she remained upbeat and optimistic. Never much of a risk-taker, as part of her post-amputation therapy, she tried wind-sailing, kayaking and horseback riding. She pushed herself through intensive physical therapy so that she could walk her daughter, Michelle, down the aisle at her wedding in July 2009. She participated in clinical trials in an effort to provide the medical community with data that could help other cancer patients. Her positive outlook on life, sense of humor, and faith were never-ending. Vicki had a great love for all animals, as well as her special place, Prince Edward Island.
She will be missed more than she will ever know by her family and many, many friends.
Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at Highland Avenue United Methodist Church in Gardiner. Burial will occur at Oak Grove Cemetery in Gardiner.
Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society or animal shelter of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vicki Swanson
Bernie Bernier
May 20, 2011
We have lost a great lady and someone who has always held a special place in my heart. I will always remember Vicki as my first love and I will always remember her smile and laugh.
Ann Conway
May 15, 2011
What a gracious and beautiful obituary. Vicki's courage is an inspiration, as is the care her family and friends gave to her. God bless you all.
Jolene
May 14, 2011
Michelle & Rae Lynn -
I am sorry for your loss. Just want you to know that working with your Mom at the Board of Nursing was a wonderful time in my life because of her. She loved you girls with all of her big heart. You were her "angels". Now she will be your guardian angel forever. Vicki's smile has forever touched my heart. Now she is smiling down on us from heaven. My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
May 14, 2011
So sorry Aunt Connie and Vicki's girls and family for your loss.Here on P.E.I we are all thinking of you.We send our love and condolences to you.Wish we could be there but due to circumstances it is impossible.In heart we are with you all. Love John and Pat vanOuwerkerk and family
Deb McLaughlin-Maillet
May 14, 2011
I am saddened for your loss. Vicki and I went to school together. We shared many good times in school and out. She always had the brightest, sincerest smile, and a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. She left a positive impression on all who had the pleasure to know her.
Barbie MacDonald
May 14, 2011
Please accept my condolences. I was so saddened to hear of Vicki's passing. She had a great spirit and a bigger smile. Vicki & I were classmates.
kathy tisdale
May 13, 2011
connie,
Charles and I are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
love kathy and charles Tisdale
May 13, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss Michelle and Rae-Lynn.We used to have coffee with your mom at Al's Sulky Restaurant.She was very funny and was always smiling. She had a great smile. Bob&Sandra Soucy
Jodi Dore
May 13, 2011
Michelle and Rae Lynn my heart and prayers go ot to you. Vicki was a true inspiration long before she got ill. She was one of the most gracious, and classiest ladies I have ever met. Anyone that had the chance to know her should be grateful for that wonderful gift of her friendship. She had a special way of making everyone she met feel special for who they were. I don't know how it is possible, but I know heaven is even brighter with her presence. She will be missed very much but live for a very long time in the hearts of those who knew her.
Best thoughts to both of you in this time of grief.
Mary Ann Cole
May 13, 2011
I went to school with Vicki and she was a pistol! I was fortunate to re-connect with her this past year or so, and we had many wonderful phone conversations. She was a trooper, no doubt about it. One of my fondest memories as kids was her Dad playing the bagpipes and she and Patty Carlson dancing. They were adorable! My sincere sympathies and love to her family and many friends.
Susan Labbe Bonsant
May 12, 2011
To Rae-Lynn and Michelle; I was so saddened to read of your mother's passing. She was truly a wonderful and lovely person. I met her through your Dad's work at the PD and we remained friends. She was always a joy to run into; we often saw each other at local stores. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Everett E. (Iggy) Larrabee
May 12, 2011
Liz,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your sister.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Diane Hilton
May 12, 2011
Michelle and Rae-Lynn,
There are no words to help ease the pain and sorrow of losing your Mom. Please take comfort in the thoughts and prayers of those around you and that one day you will all meet again in a place of peace.
The Hilton's
Billy, Diane & Sarah
Judy Lumbert
May 12, 2011
I'm so sorry,my heart goes out to Connie, Liz, Michele, Rae-Lynn and family,my very bestest friend is now in the hands of the Lord an on another journey! From High School days til the end there are so many memories to cheerish in my heart forever.
Love you forever Judy~~
Pam (Looke) Stanton
May 12, 2011
Mrs. Bears, Liz and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I remember Vicki as a beautiful young girl when I spent time with "Liz" as teenagers. She was always so upbeat and full of life and joy. I know how much she will be missed. Knowing all she went through and with such Class and Grace, has to be such a great source of Pride to all of you. Be comforted by the fact that she is finally free of pain and knows how much she was loved. My thoughts, Love and Prayers are with you all.
Anne (Staples) Tessari
May 12, 2011
I went to school with Vicki and although I have not seen her in forever, I will always remember her smile and spunky vivaciousness. Sending you strength at this sad and difficult time.
Linda
May 12, 2011
Vicki will leave a huge hole in so many lives now, what a woman of courage, common sense, and WIT! Hey Vic - today's wardrobe includes a big heart on my sleeve for you (inside joke). You're in a better place now, with Jesus. - Linda
Carol Savoy
May 12, 2011
Vicki had a special, undefinable light that will remain with all of us that knew and loved her. We're sorry for your loss, but will never forget her.
Carol & Sam
Jaye Malcolm Trimm
May 12, 2011
Connie, Liz, Michelle and Rae Lynn -
I had the privilege of witnessing Vicki's passion, strength and courage as she maneuvered through her illness. Complaining was not in her plan, regardless of the extent of her physical discomfort. Her consistent smile and encouraging words were a true inspiration to everyone she loved. Though her physical presence will be so sorely missed each and every day, her spiritual presence has, and will continue to be a gift to each of us who were fortunate to call her "friend." I suspect she has already received a warning in heaven for trying to go too fast . . she said she had lots of catching up to do when she arrived and she was confident that she would again have both legs to work with!!
Gods Blessings to each of you, and may you find comfort in her peace.
Nina Osier
May 12, 2011
My sincere condolences. Vicki and I were neighbors as girls - I fondly remember hearing her stepdad playing his bagpipes, and later I enjoyed talking with her whenever I called the Board of Nursing. I wish her family all the best at this difficult time.
Holly Kelley
May 12, 2011
Michelle and Rea-Lynn I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a beautiful person. She kept all those around her smiling even when times seemed to be the at their worst. I know she is smiling down on you all now. My prayers and thoughts are with you both and your family. Holly and the rest of the gang at Dr.Reynolds office
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