Joan Swearengen

Joan Swearengen, known to many as "Mom" and "Granny", of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence where she was lovingly cared for by the staff. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on June 8, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Daniel J. and Leota H. [St. Onge] Meehan.

Joan graduated from Lewiston Porter High School in 1958.

On September 3, 1960, she married the love of her life, Charles W. Swearengen - "Jug". They raised their family in Niagara Falls, NY, until he passed away in 1996.

She devoted her life to being a mother and homemaker. She also loved working at USPS as a carrier and at Rite Aid as a cashier.

Joan selflessly gave not only to her own children, but to many children within her neighborhood. She spent 23 years with the Sacred Heart HSA/Mother's Club. She was integral in creating the in-school lunch program. She was also an active Girl Scout leader.

Later in life she enjoyed club activities such as Red Hats, Water Babies, TOPS, and was an active member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church.

Joan loved nothing more than to be with her family and friends. She was a woman who was incredibly kind-hearted and generous - always quick with a hug and kiss for anyone. She had a unique gift of making everyone feel valued and loved. Her home was a sanctuary for family, friends, and anyone who needed comfort. She was always full of life and laughter, touching so many lives with her vibrant spirit and compassionate heart.

Joan is survived by her 6 children: Shirley (Michael) Coles, Paula (late Ken) Adams, Peggy (Mark) McGowan, Barbara (Philip) Bourque, Janice (Jamie) Syruws, and William (Jeanette) Swearengen, and her brother, Daniel (Gloria) Meehan; 14 grandchildren: Amanda, Amy (Matt), Scott (Kurt), Nicholas (Vanessa), Stephanie, Daniel (Heather), Neil (Ashley), Kelly, Samantha (Scott), Maggie, Jessica, Matthew, Danielle, and Mia; 10 great-grandchildren: Leah, Carsen, Sofia, Callie, Alex, Paul, Adelaide, Lucas, Augustus, and Nolan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister Patricia (Joseph) Foley.

Her family will be present on Tuesday, December 9th from 4-8pm at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, Lewiston, NY.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11am at RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 815 84th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Laura Norris-Buisch officiating.

Interment in North Ridge Cemetery, Town of Cambria at a later date.