Aileen Bott

Aileen Swansen Bott's worn out, but much used, heart failed on September 2nd, at the Arbors of Bedford, at the age of 94. She was born August 26, 1923 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Florence and Harry Johnstone. She married the love of her life, Carl W. Swansen of Stamford CT in 1943, who predeceased her in 1959. Aileen moved from Stamford to Bedford in 1999.

She graduated from St. Vincent Business College in Alberta Canada. Aileen was a competitive skier while living in Canada. She competed in Dominion slalom and downhill skiing along with competitive speed skating. Her skiing ability qualified her for the Canadian Olympic ski team.

Aileen had a lengthy and successful career in real estate. She owned and operated Aileen S Bott Realty Corporation in Stamford Ct. She served on the Stamford and Darien Board of Realtors, Board of United Way and was active in the Bedford Women's Club.

Aileen enjoyed the adventure of sailing their sail boat to the Carribean Islands, through the Panama Canal and many trips on the New England coast. She also visited South America and the Galapagos Islands, rode camels in Egypt, visited family in Dubai , attended the 1988 winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada with her grandson and watched him ski the same mountain she competed on. She also enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska, England, Canada and Bermuda with her two daughters and their husbands.

Aileen enjoyed her social life and never missed a party. Many women wanted to be like her and many men wanted to compete against her, in golf, tennis, card games and scrabble. She was an avid golfer into her early 90's with short drives, yet straight, and could play with one ball all season, yet insisted on having 50 balls in her golf bag. She wasn't a long hitter but she had a great short game. Aileen was a fashionista! Many retailers will miss her.

Her artistic flair will be remembered with her hand painted cards that many people framed. She tap danced at the age of 75 in a recital with much younger contestants, and was proud to be on stage (the closest she'd ever get to Broadway. She knitted stuffed toys for several different charities and hospitals. Aileen loved watching the Patriots on TV. She enjoyed her dates in the evening with Johnny Walker. She had her faults....her singing was painful to listen to which brought a smile to others. Shopping at big box stores for one person is not a good idea, and she had a craft room that could be considered hazardous when entering.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Brandon Swansen Rowe, and also predeceased by her brother, two sisters and her second husband George Bott. She is survived by her two daughters, Carol (Swansen) Shaw and husband, William Shaw of Bedford NH, and Wendy Swansen-Keeler and husband, Richard Keeler of Meredith NH and Jensen Beach FL and her sister Sylvia Esdale of West Kolowna, British Columbia, Canada. Four stepchildren, all of whom she loved as her own, George R Bott and wife Marlene of Lancaster Va, Caron Bott and husband Michael Wood of Darien Ct, Clifford Bott and wife Amy of Lebanon Ohio, Roger Bott and wife Nancy of Stamford Ct., several step grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews

Aileen had a great run for the 93 out of her 94 years. She loved life, had lots of fun, laughed often, worked very hard and taught those she loved to do the same. This is a gift she left to everyone who loved her and will miss her. The trumpets in heaven were blaring on her arrival. Another angel has been born and all the lives she touched are blessed. Wow! What a way to go Mom!

Her family would like to thank the staff at Bedford Falls, Bel-Air Nursing and Rehab Center, Courville at Manchester and The Arbors of Bedford for their kind and loving care.

There are no funeral services. There will be a celebration of her life in Banff Alberta, Canada at a later date. Donations in her name may be made to the charity of one's choice.

To view Aileen's online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net