Coranne Adria "Anna" Swift Arrow

1967 - 2014

Coranne "Anna" Adria Swift Arrow died at home November 9, 2014, after a long illness; recently diagnosed as Rheumatoid Scleroderma.

She was born June 17, 1967, to Coretha Pasqual of the Ft. Yuma Reservation and the late Jerry Swift Arrow of the Cocopah Reservation. Coranne graduated from San Pasqual High School, attended Pasadena City College, and earned her A.A. degree from Arizona Western College.

For over twenty-five years, Coranne, also known as, "Teacher Coranne or Miss Coranne," throughout the Ft. Yuma Head Start, loved working with children. From teaching 3-4 year olds, she transferred to the position of the Education Manager of Head Start, then as the Acting Director. In-between Head Start positions, she was a Youth Counselor for Ft. Yuma ADAPP. She was always a child at heart with the ability to identify with the children she worked with. Coranne was a gifted artist. She creatively constructed arts and crafts projects with her students, and fashioned her own jewelry and clothing. She sketched pictures of her family and her cats, and created beautiful water color prints. Coranne loved her cats and considered them members of the family. She was a poet and told fantastic tales about her cats and their exploits. She was an overall, imaginative storyteller. Coranne also loved baking, sewing, music, going to concerts, and dancing.

Coranne is survived by her mother Coretha Pasqual; sisters: Bernadine and Jerilyn Swift Arrow of Ft. Yuma; brothers: Ron (Vanessa) Arrow of Ft. Yuma and Everett G. Arrow (Sharlene) of Santa Rosa, CA; maternal aunts: Pauline Jose and Elsabeth Pasqual of Pasadena; maternal uncle: Dave R. Pasqual; nieces: Lindsey, Mary, Timmarie, Allesandra, and Arissa; nephews, David, Charles, Ryan, James and Eric; great-nephew: Scott Jr.; extended family includes Karyl, Yvonne, Angela, Yadira, Linda, Valerina, Lewis, and Robert. Anna adopted every child into her heart. She always had friends in her company, enjoyed the times with everyone, and never worried what others thought. Returning from Pasadena, she was known to ride her scooter up and down the reservation.

Anna was a cheerleader in school played softball and volleyball plus numerous activities. To everyone she knew, she helped them succeed with their talents and gave them confidence. Coranne never forgot any of her students. Coranne, "Anna," "Teacher Coranne" and "Miss Coranne," will be greatly missed by all

A viewing will be at 2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. at Yuma Mortuary with a rosary at 2:30 P.M. Mass will be held at St. Thomas Indian Mission at 4:00 P.M. Traditional services will begin at 5:00 P.M. at Quechan Cry House. Honorary pallbearers are Vernon Smith, Virgil S. Smith, Jesse Figuerora, William Reese Jr., Michael Schaaf, Melvin Pastores, Conrad Jackson, Roman Begay, Joe Derma III, Rene Mendoza, Donald Long, Bruce Montague, Paul Pasqual, and Ray Pasqual.

The family is honoring her wish for her casket to be signed by her friends and her loved ones. She will take it with her into the next part of her journey.