Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Brown University Columbia University Harvard University University of Chicago

FUNERAL HOME

Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel

458 Hope Street

Providence, Rhode Island

Carolyn Swift Obituary

SWIFT, CAROLYN RUTH Professor Emerita of English and Women's Studies at Rhode Island College, died November 17, 2013. She was 85 years old. She was the daughter of the late Max and Gertrude (Bovit) Swift and spouse of Edith A. Kur. She was a graduate of the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and received her doctorate from Brown University. Her teaching, writings and list of political activities is extensive. She is also survived by her sons Peter S. Lenz and his wife Carol, and Thomas M. Lenz; her step-children, Richard Gurspan and Deborah Petrarca, Nina Carmel, Paul Gurspan and Deb Korzec, and Pamela Ewings; and her grandchildren David Lenz, Meredith Lenz, and Ruby Carmel. The funeral service will be held Thursday, November 21st, at 10 AM in Temple Emanu-El with burial in Swan Point Cemetery. Shiva will be observed following interment. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of RI, 128 Dorrance St., Providence, RI 02903. For further details, information and condolences SugarmanSinai.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Nov. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Swift

Sponsored by Peter Swift Lenz.

14 Entries

Thomas M. Lenz

October 3, 2025

Hi Mom, I love you, and miss you, and I think of you every single day ! Thank you for your care and love for me even when life became difficult for you.

Nancy Wright

August 7, 2014

I had Dr. Swift for a few classes in the late 80's - she was a wonderful guide to Women's literature. I cannot tell you how many times over the past 25 years that her words have come back to me in my life. A very great teacher and woman! The world needs more Dr. Swifts.

Rebecca Poole

May 3, 2014

Dear Lady. You are an inspiration.

Diana Siegal

December 27, 2013

Dear Peter and Tom and Family,
I have been in touch with Edith but this is the only place I can extend my sympathy to all of you on the loss of dear 'Lyn. She was a very special person. I knew her best for many years in the Mothers' Group. She was a brilliant person who cared deeply for her family and friends and for efforts to make this world a kinder and better place for all. She was also modest so I learned much about her from this obituary that I hadn't know from 35 years of friendship. "May her memory be a blessing." Diana Laskin Siegal, Topeka, Kansas

Peter Lenz

December 12, 2013

Wasn't she amazing? I love and miss my Mom!

Kevin Kanarek

December 8, 2013

Dear Lyn,

Thank you for being an inspiration and comfort to my mother Pamela Moore at Rosemary Hall, for sharing what you remembered of her when I visited you in 2001, and and for giving me such good advice at that time, some of which I followed. I'm very grateful to have known you.

Carol Goldman

December 3, 2013

I enjoyed the years spent in the mothers with adult children group with Lyn and Edith. Lyn was a very close to her family and to her beloved, Edith.
I loved hearing about her various family relationships and her life-long love of learning.

Sheila Parks

December 2, 2013

Dear darling, most loved Lyn. I am so deeply sad at your passing. I continue to tell you here now, as I always did on phone and email - I am always missing you and always loving you. You were a very important part of my life for decades and I will always treasure your wisdom, both personal and political. I am so sorry I did not get a chance to say good-bye to you in person. I am trying to remember that there is life after life and I hope we will meet on the other side, when I get there. You were very giving, loving and kind to me for the many decades of our friendship and that wil always be in my heart. Weeping as I type, all my love always Sxooxoxoox

Susan Brace

December 1, 2013

Dear Edith and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Lyn's death. And sorry also that we have been out of touch for too long. You have our deepest sympathy. Love from Susan & Nancy

November 26, 2013

Edith, i'm so sorry to hear of Lyn's passing but relieved to know that she is in peace. She was a great person and always so very kind to me. I know she will be missed by many. Pat Moretti

Barbara Verria

November 23, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about Lynn's passing, she was a very sweet and kind lady,and will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to all her family, and Edith.

Christine Chester

November 23, 2013

Dear 'Lyn, I am so sad to see you go, but I am so happy to have so many wonderful memories that will last the rest of my lifetime. I remember long days at the beach, great football games and countless other times we enjoyed. You are larger than life and you fought bravely for quality in each moment even at the last. As you already know, Edith and I will continue to be close. I love you. Rest in peace my dear friend. You have earned your eternal welcome. Chris Chester

November 22, 2013

Lovely Memorial to a strong and caring woman.
Beautiful to see your families together. A tribute to you and 'Lyn, Edith.
Fondly,
Ethel

Frnk Mello

November 22, 2013

Brilliant, Generous. Lovely!
An enduring loving Memory.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results