Rhoda L. Swadel

PITTSFIELD -- Rhoda Swadel died peacefully Nov. 3, 2007, at her daughter's home in Pittsfield after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rhoda was born in New York City to Mildred Stollock and Soloman Charles Lindemann in 1924. After discovering her talent for dance at a young age, Rhoda pushed herself to succeed as a professional dancer, performing at venues from Atlantic City's Steel Pier to Florida's Key West. She later joined the Navy, where she met her husband, Frank Swadel. They were married in 1944. Their son, Robert, was born two years later. After surviving a challenging bout of polio, Rhoda had two more children, William and Lynne.

After Frank's death in 1985, Rhoda moved to Maine to be near her daughter and grandchildren.

Rhoda is survived by her children, Robert Swadel and his wife, Carolyn, William Wright-Swadel and his wife, Dorothea, and Lynne Swadel and her partner, Julianne Bousquet; grandchildren Ashley Huston and her husband, Knox, Andy Swadel, Emily Parkhurst and Stephen Parkhurst, and Amanda Young and her husband, Harry, and their four children, who are all thankful for the time and energy she was willing to devote to them as a fantastic listener, political adviser, mother, grandmother and friend.

The family wishes especially to thank the wonderful and caring staff of HealthReach Hospice, Dr. Andreescu and the fine people at CancerCare of Maine for their kindness and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to HealthReach Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903, or to the Pittsfield Public Library, Main Street, Pittsfield, ME 04967, Rhoda's favorite place in town.

At Rhoda's request there will be no public funeral service. Interment will be at the Maine Memorial Veterans' Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357; (207) 737-4395.