Obituary of Frances J Swift

We are heartbroken to share that our dearest Fran died suddenly and unexpectedly on the evening of March 28, 2024.  She will always be remembered as a cherished sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.  

Fran’s life can be summed up in three simple words: faith, family, and friends.  These were the cornerstones of Fran’s 61 years on earth, and from these sources, she drew tremendous strength and determination.

From the day she was born, Fran experienced, what would seem to be, insurmountable challenges.  On September 23, 1962, a little chubby cheeked, red-haired baby girl came into the world saddled with multiple physical and developmental challenges.  She struggled just to draw a breath at the beginning, and, for a less hardy baby, that might have been the end of the story.  But Fran was a fighter.   She fought adversity every day and rarely complained about the pain.   From her battle with cancer to the multiple surgeries on her heart, kidneys, and hips, she never gave up.  She derived great joy from telling everyone how many years she had been cancer free.  She had proudly made it to the 12-year mark. 

Fran’s battle to achieve personal independence was a daily struggle.  All she ever wanted was to be treated as a non-disabled person, a person of value, and someone who could be of service to others less fortunate.  We learned many lessons from Fran over the years, but the most important one was to never give up.  It was rare to see Fran without a big smile on her face, and you could count on her for a warm greeting and a bear hug. She never forgot your name, your address, your birthday, your anniversary, the names of your kids and grandkids, and, most importantly, your phone number.

Forty years ago, Fran and her beloved father, Paul Swift, joined a new parish called The Church of the Transfiguration in Pittsford.  She loved to recount the story of that first Christmas season attending mass in a barn while the new church was being built, “just like how Jesus was born in the stable,” she reflected.  Fran did everything she could to help the new church become established, helping staff with vacation bible school, serving as a greeter before mass, bringing cookies for bake sales, donating money to support the missionary work of the church, buying Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias to adorn the altar.  Her devotion to her church family was legendary.  She even had a designated seat at the front of the church where she and her dad would sit every Sunday.  Everyone knew where they could find Fran and they stopped by the pew to greet her and get one of those famous bear hugs.

Fran’s favorite employment by far were her years at DDSO Metro Services where she worked as a receptionist at the front desk, greeting people, answering the phone, and filing paperwork.  Everyone commented on her welcoming smile and cheery disposition.  She loved sharing the news of each paycheck with family members. Those conversations would begin with her asking, “Are you sitting down?  Can you guess how much my paycheck was this time?”

There are many life lessons learned by those who got to know and love Fran.  She taught us how to look at the world through child-like eyes and thus experience greater joy.  She taught us to never give up when confronting obstacles, no matter how tempting that might be. She taught us to find deeper meaning in our lives by giving generously of our time and resources.  And, lastly, to be sure to make room for dessert, especially if it’s chocolate.

Fran is predeceased by her parents, Paul and Phyllis Swift, and nephew, Jason Belodoff. She is survived by her siblings: Marianne Swift, Cecile (Jeffrey) Lippitt, Paul (Sue) Edison-Swift, Marcy (Mike) Cooley, and Jan (Kim Barhite) Simpson, and Kim Gertsner.   She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Lisa (Kevin) and Adam (Danielle), Annie (Sean), Rachel (Matt) and Leah (Billy), Monica (Justin) and Matt (Kaila) and Mark, Matt (Kelly) and Nicholas (Jenna). She loved being  great-auntie to Walter, Sally, Austyn, Brantley, Hudson, Kyler, Elliot, Jesse, Gabriel and Julia. Fran is also survived by many cousins including her special cousin, Sister Grace Swift, as well as countless friends, especially Margie Benza and members of her Transfiguration family.  

Fran is finally free of her many earthly burdens.  Now she will have a well-deserved rest in the eternal embrace of her family in heaven. 

Donations in Fran’s memory can be made to the parish family that she loved, Church of the Transfiguration, 50 West Bloomfield, Pittsford, New York 14534.  Please note “in memory of Fran Swift” on the memo line.  Or you can choose to donate to Fran’s favorite national charity, 46 Climbs by visiting 46climbs.com.

On Thursday, April 4, join family and friends at Fran’s wake from 9:30am -11:00 am at the Church of the Transfiguration followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, Rev. Michael J. Bausch presiding.  A luncheon reception will be held in the Parish Life Center following mass. Burial will be private.

For more information, visit the parish website at transfigurationpittsford.org