NORMA JEAN SWAN

Norma J Swan, 87, of Bonita Springs, FL (formerly of Plymouth, Milton, and Quincy Massachusetts) passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband and children in the early morning hours of August 17, 2025.

Born in California on October 4, 1937 Norma was the strong-willed eldest of two daughters of parents Helen and George Kavanagh, and biological father Eugene O'Neal. She had a boundlessly loving heart and remarkable wondrous soul of inner strength and optimism. These personified her positive spirit and exuberant personality, and her good hearted, fervently compassionate, and ever-giving nature. Norma radiated warmth and compassion, making her a source of comfort and inspiration.

Norma had a magnetic, kind and inspiring outlook on living and being that naturally drew people close- her love of life was infectious, it was impossible not to want to spend time with Norma! ~~~affectionately "Mama Sista", "Mama-la" , "Normie" , "Grammy" , "NJ"/Norma Jean. Her warm soul and faithful persona held her together through the hardships, ailments, and pain life presented. Never bemoaning but quietly marching onward with incredible eloquence, renewing her belief 'the world would get better' and her hopeful promise and steady resolve to carry on and appreciate all the joys life still had left to give.

As a child, the family traveled the world as Norma's adoptive father George Kavanagh served in the military. Through her travels Norma became immersed in cultures, landscapes, art, and diverse ways of life abroad. Here grew her innate love of nature, animals, humanity, charity, and of life. She developed fierce tenacity, a thirst for knowledge, social consciousness, and longings to journey for all the great love and enjoyments this world had to offer!

Returning to the United States, the family settled in Milton, Massachusetts, where Norma attended Milton High School. Norma's career 'calling' was naturally nursing- selecting Catherine Labouré College School of Nursing where graduation year she scored the highest grade on the Massachusetts statewide nursing board exams!

Norma then settled in Quincy, Massachusetts, having her children, famously reminiscing, "I had six kids, in seven years, by the time I was 27" (with William Swan, divorced). Norma proudly worked the overnight shifts as a private duty nurse at local hospitals to be home to care for her rambunctious young children. An extraordinary mother, in extraordinary circumstances, Norma endured almost alone. She did the very best with what she had-stretching every dollar and ingredients to prepare meals and periodically making her kids' clothes. Despite long overnight work hours, she was always present and patient, amid the chaotic pace of so many children. Through joyous times and the struggles, Norma made time and was there for her children, ensuring they always felt loved and cared for. The love and optimism she poured into and over her "chicks" made the hope and promise 'it will better tomorrow' everlasting. She nurtured and cheered that life offers unlimited possibilities and invites you to fulfill your dreams.

In May of 1978, she met the love of her life George Davis, they married in 1982 and voyaged back to Milton to raise their captivating brood of six. Continuing to satisfy her thirst for knowledge, with confidence and the encouragement and support of husband George and their six children, Norma attended Harvard University to earn her master's degree in psychology! She made it look easy as she seamlessly balanced raising their family with the demands of a Harvard education and writing her thesis, while working full time as a psychiatric nurse at Shattock Hospital in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Norma also dedicated time for regular exercise at the gym -dismayed that she rather quickly 'outlived her lifetime membership' at Gloria Stevens Fitness Salon. She was a true gym-rat belonging to many gyms and exercising regularly to age of 85!

Norma, ever busy, made time for her many hobbies, including sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, gardening and all things she could give love and growth to. An avid reader, Norma leisurely drank her morning coffee, shared the newspaper, and never left the house without something to read! She could be found in the front seat of the car with her feet on the dashboard, reading a folded over magazine or novel - while filling her recipe binders, clipping coupons, writing cards and notes. Readying herself with final touches or working on a task, Norma would also be applying lipstick , looking for a lost contact or her glasses , dabbing a spill out of her shirt , changing/ drying and getting beach sand off , mending clothing or sewing on a button, crocheting, filing her nails and locating her stray water bottle to stay hydrated. Managing her busy life, she'd be traveling along looking forward to the journey and sharing time with loved ones, weighing dinner options, planning her grocery shopping, pondering the news, contemplating upcoming elections , anticipating what the next (work)day entailed ; listening to the radio , trusting the "shiny vehicle ahead" was finding the way , hoping not to be late(which she usually was :) ...and chatting all the while! Norma, the vigilant "multi-tasker" rarely stopped simultaneously doing the many things at hand! We were all glad for the times she wasn't 'doing it all' ...in the driver's seat!

As their 'nest' of ducking Swan's began to flock, empty-nesting hit her hard, so George and Norma set off to Upper Tract, West Virginia to pursue their aspirations of building and running a bed and breakfast, and in 1995, "The WilderNest" was born! They had never even stayed at a B&B but brought their dream to fruition and the successful adventure was thoroughly enjoyed by grazing deer at their deer pond and the random stray bear(at times with their cubs!), their wide and wild clientele, and the entire extended family. Each year, Norma and George unselfishly shut down for a week to host and share expanded, secluded time together with all their six children, and young grandchildren, creating adventure and unforgettable family memories! They spent almost eight years atop the clouds and beautiful mountains of West Virginia, yet Norma pined that she was "just too far from the kids". In 2002 they sold the Inn, retiring to snowbird between Plymouth, MA and Bonita Springs, FL to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Norma filled her life with family and friends and loved any opportunity to socialize however it presented itself. She loved savoring a meal together, relaxing out on the deck or at the beach as a 'goddess of sunbathing', venturing to vacation spots familiar and unexplored, and watching the nightly sunset with her favorite drink the margarita (aka "George-a-rita"). Embracing any chance to shop, Norma relished in roving the Flea Markets and thrift stores to expand her already overflowing sparkly costume jewelry collection, vibrant wardrobe, and plentiful tchotchkes. Norma was genuinely surprised hearing that "the store will be closing" when she hadn't yet finished her shopping! Coining herself "MoreMa", Norma fully embodied and touted the adage "Too much of a good thing is wonderful!" She thoroughly exulted in the shock value response she elicited while recounting any of her outlandish adventures or hilarious tales.

Norma wholeheartedly embraced life yet stopped to help others and make a difference in this world. Always involved, thoughtful and caring, she lived an intentional life, imparting her life experience and wisdom while advocating for optimistic change in people and society. She lived by her "do the right thing" and "every day put one foot in front of the other... time will heal, and this too shall pass" mantras. Tender and kind, Norma had 'not a mean bone in her body' , but sharply turned if her loved ones were threatened, and ferociously going "Mama Bear" on any attack upon her "cubs"!

Norma lived a legacy love, always in harmony with people, animals, and nature. Norma opened her heart and home, was quick to accept and forgive people, and believed strongly in equality; that all rights are human rights and the acceptance of all people. While Norma never missed out on the chance to share time and make memories with 'her peeps', her passion was always her husband George. Their life-long love affair rarely kept them apart and the pair reveled in just being near each other. Deep in love, they built an amazing life together. There was no dream or hope too wild to design or realize, and they exemplified the idea that the greatest loves are built in wanting to bring and give each other happiness in every aspect of life. Their unwavering love extended to everyone in their lives, especially their children and grandchildren, but also the world at large where they strived to make a difference.

Norma is remembered as someone who valued the time life offered and lived every moment to the fullest with hilarity and a smile. She dedicated her life and herself to every role she played - daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, nurse, wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mother, aunt, grandmother, mother-in-law, and philanthropist. As a daughter, Norma was curious and smart, always eager to learn. As a sister, she was loyal and loving, always making time for weekend getaways to Maine or the Cape, family dinners, and shopping trips, creating a lifetime of always entertaining adventures together. Norma befriended everyone, her dynamic personality was enchanting-- she was a lifelong friend you could always laugh with , rely on for neighborly support, or lean on in life's hard moments. As a nurse, Norma was an uplifting presence and soothing caregiver. An incredible a mother, always loving and caring--reading a bedtime story or singing a lullaby, kissing a 'boo-boo' or tenderly rubbing her sick 'little chicken's back; mending a beloved stuffed animal or crocheting an afghan. She was present in all the little moments, enthusiastically elevating celebrations, and patient and supportive in even the most difficult of times. As a grandmother, she created 'connections' with her grandchildren, wanting to 'be there' to see who they would become, and share in their lives. An unrelenting supporter and lover of little adventures, "Grammy" was the infuser of laughter and excitement into anything! She was ever present and there to celebrate their milestones and accomplishments-- except graduations, which she firmly believed were "too boring" to attend. Still, she wrote novels in their graduation cards to convey just how much she loved her grandchildren. As a wife, she adored her soul mate George. Their romance was real and passionate from the moment they met - 'a love story' movie they scripted and symphony they danced, to her last breath.

Norma never hesitated to share her opinion, and lived with an unrelenting compassion for others, always working toward goals of social justice and equality. As a staunch defender, Norma championed for the beleaguered and disenfranchised, rallying for fairness --backing political campaigns for candidates who she believed could put forth real change. Norma was an active donor and supporter of the arts, the environment, animal activism, and numerous charitable organizations, and a lifelong member of a "naturalist society".

Pets were ever present (and welcomed) in her home , Norma could never turn down her kids presenting frogs or wanting a cat, gerbils, puppy or bunny. Almost never without dogs and frequently had many cats, Norma loved animals and was blessed with so many amazing four-legged friends through the eras. The pets held their place as a true member of the family , their personalities shown with kids 'voicing' their thoughts, to the excitement of every animal (and amusement of any human) member of the household! Norma excitedly warmly greeted every visitor, endearing them to acknowledge and love the animal members of her home.

Norma started her young children with "Friskie" an orange and white tabby cat. "Friskie" was followed by many other female cats who had kittens -her kids got to see their cats' birth and mother kittens- including "Fluffy", "Mischief", and "Gusha". Gerbils were occasionally adopted; they were easy pets for youngsters to hold and enjoy but frequently got lost in the house. Norma, sympathetic to their plight, corralled cats (and kids), even futilely washing a few gerbils her kids had mistakenly painted blue. "Dusty", the first puppy to join the family, quickly grew and when she had a litter of puppies, Norma caved and kept one pup, "Ruff". Inundated with litters of adorable kittens and black lab puppies, Norma learned to spay or neuter the pets! Practical most of the time, but when brown haired bunny "Adonis" , and then white rabbits "Ziggy" and "Aladin" arrived, eight white baby bunnies were born (named by number, "One" thru "Eight") and marked the end of pet rabbits! We'll never know how many rabbits "Adonis" may have fathered, but to the glee of her children "Adonis" was cleaver enough to escape yet return to the backyard hutch after venturing off for a day of fun in their Quincy neighborhood!

Milton hosted a wonderful array of dogs and cats! Stubby tailed manx "Spock", "Madonna", "Fozer", and doubled-pawed charismatic "Skeeter" ("Mr Handsome Head") ruled the feline landscape ; while "Scruff"-T-Mutt battled the vacuum , golden lab "Goliath" was wildly excited at any suggestion to 'go out'(aka "Do you want to buy a boat!?") , and "Shadow"( also "Shadaloudis" or "Mr. Meek") was soulfully grateful to be adopted, yet a serious defender against any unwelcomed person in the house! Not wanting another, double pawed black cat "Goudis" was "unexpectedly" left with Norma and George, but he warmed their hearts. He quickly set the dogs straight as to 'who was running the show' in the pet dominated household! "Goudis" truly had nine lives --we teased "needed a job"... and posed if he "had experience in the custodial fields?!"

"Goudis" and the West Virginia wildlife was enough for the Inn keepers. "Goudis" taught Norma 'who was boss' as she repeatedly foolishly trusted (in George's say so) "Goudis" not to swat at her as he wildly purred happily 'allowing' Norma to pat him... George reveling in laughter at Norma's shock when "Goudis" , almost on cue, swatted! "Goudis", still ruled over the households as "top-pet' when Norma 'couldn't refuse' new pups nurse-"Misha", ('the dumb blonde'), and "Maya" -'one (black) ear' , who happily made daily trips to shop or visit the beach, and delighted the grandchildren in any state they visited!

In Plymouth, they enjoyed son Bill's cat little miss "Tia" , received lovable tomcat "Bear" , then inherited sweet black cat "Luca" who traveled to FL for the winters. In FL, Norma adopted miniature dogs "Tipper" and energetic "Ty" (endlessly happy to leap to fetch his favorite toy'). Heartbroken anytime they lost a cherished fellow (furry) family member, Norma and George had to take time off work to mourn their most beloved cat of 23 years, "Goudis". Most recently, with the unbearable loss of "Ty", Norma insisted they immediately adopt senior miniature dogs, 'fierce growling defender of Norma' "Goose" , and shy "Penny".

In everything she did, Norma strived to better this world. A lover of nature, Norma tended her gardens daily, breaking for the glorious sunsets, but frequently 'playing in the dirt' till well into the night. She dug in her roots, planting stunning flower gardens in her many yards , looking forward to the next bulb and flower magazine arriving! She was a true naturist and didn't just stop "to smell the flowers" in capturing the earth's natural beauty unfold ; Norma always paused to 'dead-head' the bushes and to pull her garden nemesis , the 'hateful dandelions' , in the paths of every state she passed through! She was a master of reusing, recycling, and composing ; and dutifully and thoroughly "de-littered" the beaches , the land , and other public places she visited - quietly endeavoring the world be a place where everybody can bask in nature's splendor and undisturbed beauty.

Norma truly emblazoned her mark upon and left this world a better place! The world and our hearts are a lonelier without Norma, but her love shall endure in her revered, devoted and beloved husband George, precious and dedicated children, and all those who were so very blessed to know her.

Norma is now reunited with her cherished departed children, first born Carole L Swan (2010), eldest son William G Swan (2012), and her youngest Lauren Swan-Mahoney (2024), and her late former husbands William G Swan, Sr(2020) and Stephen E Ruben(2015).

Norma is rejoined in eternal rest with her dear siblings-in-law: Michael K Davis and Dorothy(Davis) Bates ; Elizabeth(Ruben) Abrams and "Bill" Abrams ; Roger F Swan ; and James K Cafferky ; and with nephews: (Roger)Steven Swan, Peter F Swan, and James K Cafferky Jr.

Norma is survived by her adored husband of 47 years George Davis and treasured mother of their greatly loved remaining children Susan Swan (Daly) of Plymouth, Liane Minichiello of North Attleborough, David Swan and wife Joy Darby of Nashua, NH, and son-in-law Terence Mahoney of Attleboro ; as well as her stepchildren Douglas Jacobs and wife Tilia of Framingham, and Cindy Ruben of Vancouver, WA. Proud loving grandmother, "Grammy" will be dearly missed by her blessed grandchildren Ryan Minichiello, John Minichiello and wife Lauren Vinciguerra, and Katelyn Minichiello; Rachel (Darby)Antilety and Rebecca Darby; Alissa Mahoney; Joseph Daly Jr and Jacqueline Daly; and great-grandson Jaxsen Lewis. Beloved sister to her only sibling Carole Cafferky of Medford, and sister-in-law Catherine "Honey" Swan of Burlington, and animated aunt to her many nieces and nephews to whom she was fun "crazy Aunt Norma".

In remembrance, please joyfully raise a margarita and toast Norma on her upcoming 88th birthday on October 4, 2025. All who wish to celebrate Norma's life are invited to join family and friends for a memorial service Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10:30am at St Ann's Church, 757 Hancock St, Wollaston, MA. Norma's requested a party, her celebration of life will immediately follow her mass at the Common Market, 67 Willard St, Quincy, MA