Edith Edie Mae Roan Swift

Edith "Edie" Mae Roan Swift, age 84, and lifelong resident of Edinboro, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016, at the Edinboro Manor. She was born in Franklin Center, Pennsylvania, on May 28, 1931, to the late Maurice T. and Ellen M. Roan.

She attended grade school in Franklin Center and attended one year of high school at Northwestern School District in Albion, Pa. In Edith's words, "It was time to go to work." She worked at the Dairy Bar in Edinboro, where she met the love of her life, Raymond Swift. They married on October 22, 1949. Edith and Ray started their dairy farm together, where they would work side-by-side for 34 years, until their retirement in 1988. After retiring, she continued to work at the General McLane School District as a bus driver. Her students brought her much joy.

Edith loved her flower beds, hummingbirds, gardening, crocheting afghans, and cooking. She was happiest when she was able to feed her family and friends. She had a knack for preparing a full course meal, out of what appeared to be empty cupboards, because "You Got to Eat." Edith expressed her love through food. Baking pies for the Franklin Center United Methodist Church tent at the Albion Area Fair was one of her favorite things to do each year. She also enjoyed passing down all of her recipes to the younger generations of the family. She will forever be known as one of the hardest working women around. She was a good lady, a practical lady, a lady who knew the meaning of an honest day's work.

She was a member of the Franklin Center United Methodist Church and also The Rebekah Lodge, where she held many offices, including Noble Grand.

Besides her husband, Raymond, and parents, Maurice and Ellen, she was preceded in death by a grandson; and two brothers, George and Thomas Roan.

Survivors include her children, Dennis Swift, wife, Linda, of Edinboro, Danny Swift, wife, Betty, of Grand Valley, Robert Swift of Elizabethtown, and Debbie Swift of Edinboro; and also one stepson, Roger Higby, wife, Cindy, of San Jose. She is further survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Thelma Fromknecht of Conneaut, Marie Bush, husband, Robert, of Erie, and Lucy Witherell of Buffalo; two brothers, Ted Roan, wife, Janet, of Fairview and David Roan, wife, Judy, of McKean; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the nurses and caregivers at the Edinboro Manor for everything they do daily, not only for us, but for everyone.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the Franklin Center United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 12:00 noon. Pastor Denny Belknap Sr. will officiate with burial and committal service to follow at Draketown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Odd Fellows & Rebekah's Homes of Western PA, 20 Orchard Drive, Grove City, PA 16127, Alzheimer's Association, 1128 State Street #301, Erie, PA 16501, or Franklin Center United Methodist Church, 7471 Old State Rd., Edinboro, PA 16412.Funeral services are under the direction of the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Edinboro and online condolences may be sent to www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

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