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BORN
1969
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Samantha Swift Obituary
Her light began to shine in Butler, where she was born, on March 25, 1969. She was the beloved daughter of James E. and Catherine Bello Swift.
Precocious, driven, competitive and caring, Samantha rose to the position of interim vice president of university advancement at Slippery Rock University. She began her storied and lengthy career in higher education at Chatham University for 18 years where she ultimately became assistant vice president of university advancement.
A 1987 graduate of Butler High School, she was treasurer of her senior class, a member of the tennis team, and a budding cymbals player in the marching band. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English from Pennsylvania State University and her teaching certification from Chatham University.
Quick-witted, hysterical, consummate storyteller and voice of disco and classical pieces alike when near a microphone, she enchanted people with her gifted radiance. How she shined! She spread her brilliance around the world as an ardent traveler. Embracing adventure, she loved planning the next journey.
In addition to her parents, Samantha is survived by her wife, Dana Rae Meute; one brother, Mark A. Swift and his wife, Christine, of Butler; one sister, Stephanie M. Swift and her husband, Rick Dutrow, of Irwin, Pa.; her mother-in-law, Betty Jane Meute, of The Villages, Fla.; one brother-in-law, Raymond R. Meute and his wife, Nancy, of Lincoln University, Pa.; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Her singular light now extinguished here, is without a doubt illuminating heaven with "Last Dance," her signature song, and daily dance parties.
SWIFT - Friends of Samantha Margaret Swift, who died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at MARTIN FUNERAL HOME, 429 Center Ave., Butler.
A blessing service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at All Saints Parish, Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, with Deacon Mike Kaufman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to SRU Foundation, Inc., 104 Maltby Ave., Suite 202, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.
For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samantha Swift
Dan Finn
December 18, 2024
Dana,
Prayers, thoughts and memories for you and of Sam this holiday season. God Bless.
Photo is SRU Homecoming w/e 2023.
Margie Wilkosx
January 24, 2024
So very sorry to hear this Cathy. I remember meeting her at Sammy's mass. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Margie Wilkosz
Thomas J Raub
January 17, 2024
I so enjoyed Samantha's LinkedIn posts about SRU. What a shock! She was truly special.
Maryellen Kelly
January 9, 2024
1/9/24 Dana and family, this stunning news breaks my heart.
I was lucky enough to meet Sam during her Chatham days and stay in touch while she was at SRU. Dynamic, creative and a force of nature... that was Sam!
Sending love, prayers and light to all of you at this challenging time.
Kevin Bokesch
January 7, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss Dana, and Sam's family! I just found out from Terri today that this happened, and I'm sorry we couldn't be there!
Michael Lepore
January 6, 2024
My deepest condolences to Dana and the Swift family. Very sorry for your loss Dana. I knew your lovely wife since elementary school. She was always so smart, even then:). I will always remember the last time I ran into her and met you for the first time, at Natilis not that long ago. Was so nice to see her. We had fun that night. I was so happy she found the perfect person to share her life with. I´m sending all of my love and warmth to you in this terrible time. God bless.
Naomi Kosek
January 6, 2024
Dear Dana and Family,
There are no words that can fully express feelings at a time like this.
Please know that you are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Kasnevich
January 6, 2024
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Sam´s Family . I am in Florida.. I watched her Blessings Service What a Special, Wonderful, Loving, Dedicated and Amazing Lady. I truly am blessed to have had Sam as a friend.. a Slippery Rock colleague
Mike & Becky Thompson
January 6, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for her peace and your comfort.
Mike and Becky Thompson
Jodi Hensel
January 5, 2024
Dana and family, my heart is broken for you. Samantha lived well, lived with purpose, and loved deeply. You were her life. She accomplished many things and enjoyed travel and other adventures, but what she spoke of most often and most passionately was her family. Her nieces and nephew were so very important to her. She was extremely proud to be their aunt and friend.
Please know that Samantha's life enriched so many people. Her life was impactful. She will stay in our hearts forever.
Noreen Herlihy
January 4, 2024
Extremely sad news of Samantha´s passing. Having known her though my time at SRU, she was always so sweet and welcoming. And who can forget her smile.....
Wishing Dana and family peace as you navigate the immense loss of Samantha.
Elaine Sullivan
January 4, 2024
Samantha was one of the bright stars in life. While I knew her as an alum, I found her quick smile and easy manner engaging. Warm and welcoming, Samantha was a great rep for The Rock and, I am sure a wonderful friend to many. Condolences to her family, friends and colleague so.
Ken Colley
January 3, 2024
I remember her so well from McQuistion and through High School. I am so saddened for her family. May God grant comfort to them during this time of mourning.
Lucy Sack
January 3, 2024
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Samantha´s unexpected passing. We send our deepest sympathy to all of her family and colleagues. She was the best at her work and achieved much for our programs and students. May Sam Rest in Peace.
Love & Prayers,
Lucy & Tony Sack
Ron Vodenichar
January 3, 2024
To my friends in the Swift family, my most sincere condolences on your horrible loss. I can´t imagine shock of such a loss. May The Peace of God be with you and guide you through this time of trial.
Lorri Shuber
January 3, 2024
Jim and Cathy,
Pete and I are very saddened to hear the sad news about Samantha. When she was at the Intermediate High School, she came to visit me every morning; she was a delight! You are in our prayers!
Pete and Lorri Shuber
Michael & Dee Dee Newcaster
January 3, 2024
Dear Dana & fmilies: May we express our deepest sympathy in the passing of Samantha. She was an amazing, remarkable person who was a leader in everything she did. She will be remembered by all of us who had the fortune to know her. Her shining personalty will live on. May she RIP!
Dr. Mary Jo Ross
January 3, 2024
My deepest sympathy. Samantha was a game changer for SRU and the community.
Dr. Mary Jo Ross
Helen
January 3, 2024
We first met you and Dana in Mexico and I always recall you saying to us that we were "keepers", as usually you didn't make holiday friends. From that moment on our lives were enriched with you in it. You were kind, caring, funny, so incredible talented but most of all a very special friend. You came to visit us a few times here in the UK and you took the time to get to know our family. You really cared about people Sam and we will never forget you. We are absolutely devastated at your passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends to help them get through this terrible time. Love Helen and John x x x
Herb Thompson
January 3, 2024
This is terribly sad and shocking news. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family.
Sylvia Wilson
January 3, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sylvia Wilson
January 3, 2024
I met Sam back in 2016 when my husband, Tex, and I went for the homecoming, and she welcomed me with open arms. Sam totally impressed me with her wonderful personality, and as always, so bubbly. Her smile and her giggle will always be remembered by me. Rest in Peace sweet lady. Missing you already. Tom (Tex) and I are so devastated. Gone too young. Condolences to her family and all those that knew her.
. Forever in oil hearts.
Chris Solari
January 3, 2024
I am so very sorry for your loss, Ms. Meute, Mark, Stephanie and all. Many thoughts and prayers for you during this difficult time.
Michael O´Hare, Class of `74, SRU
January 2, 2024
I am stunned by this sudden loss of my longtime friend. Miss Samantha added zest to every situation....that zest will be missed at Slippery Rock University, where I knew her from, working with her to establish scholarships for the past 10 years. We always made sure we had good champagne when she visited our home, so I will toast her this weekend, with a very heavy heart. This woman was accomplished, personable, kind, and totally hilarious. Becky and I just loved her, and can´t imagine our Slippery Rock world without her. Our condolences to Dana and to Samantha´s family.
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