Patricia Anne

Russell “Pat Swift”, 66

Gray/ Raymond -  Patricia Russell died at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine on January 13, 2017 of a sudden illness.

Born on February 17, 1950, she lived in Winthrop, Maine until age 5 where she moved to Portland, Maine. She attended Portland schools, graduated in 1968 from Deering High School.  After High School, she attended the University of Maine graduating from Orono in 1972 with a BA in math. She was also working for her brother in his variety store in Raymond Food Center while securing a teaching certificate and substituting in Auburn and Saco.

She taught 9 years at Jordan Small School, until the closing of their 7^th and 8^th grade programs. Then she taught 7^th and 8^th grade in Kailua – Kona, Hawaii, while working for her brother in his flower business “Emma’s Flowers”. She returned home to start a family, and began teaching in the high school at Gray-New Gloucester where she taught math.

Within the school and around her community, Patricia was active in encouraging education and personal growth. Through her heartfelt actions, she touched the lives of each person that she met.

 Patricia wanted to share some of her personal special memories of her cousin Cheryl Trow, with whom she grew up with and visited often, her Godmother Aunt Dot who seemed to keep everyone on task and motivated. Patricia also wants to thank her cousin Sandy St. Hilaire for the gardening and poultry advice and help.

She enjoyed the time with her children, teaching them to climb trees, dancing to old tunes, playing cards, taking camping trips to Eustis, water skiing, and going to Wells Beach for birthdays. She also treasured spending time with her many grandchildren, and seeing her granddaughter Serena being born.

Surviving Family are, her daughter Angela Russell and her 2 grandchildren Serena and Jace Russell of Raymond, Maine. Her son Alexander Russell and his wife Elizabeth Russell of Hartford, Maine; their son Aaron Russell, and step grandchildren Caleb Tufts, Jacob Grover, Victoria Grover, and Katelynn Grover.  Her Sister-in-Law Waleria Swift, of Cape Elizabeth, her Nephew/Godson Matt Swift of Cape Elizabeth. Her Nieces Erika Swift and family, currently overseas, and Amanda Swift and family in the DC area.

Predeceased by: Brother Stephen Barry Swift in 1993, her Mother Estelle and Father Charles Swift both in 1999.

Memorial services will be held January 21, 2017 between 2-4 pm at GNG High School in the gym by the cafeteria.

Patricia requested in lieu of flowers, that donations be given to

  The Animal Refuge League, Westbrook, ME.

Condolences may be offered at www.wilsonfhllc.com

 Service Information