Georgia Grace Swift

Born August 19, 1945, in Adams, Massachusetts, Gigi was the daughter of William “Bill” Button and Corinne Button. She grew up in North Adams, where she attended St. Joseph’s High School before earning her associate degree at St. Joseph Business College in Bennington, Vermont.

In 1966, she married the love of her life, Peter Swift, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. They raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Karen, in Williamstown, MA, before retiring to Naples, FL, in 2011. Their marriage of nearly six decades was a testament to true partnership, adventure, and unwavering devotion.

Gigi dedicated over 30 years of her life to her work, first as an executive secretary at Sprague Electric Company and later as an administrative assistant for the History Department at Williams College. From 1976 until her retirement in 2007, she was a valued member of the Williams community, known for her dependability, attention to detail, and kindness to colleagues and students alike.

GiGi was a master at finding “scores” at garage sales and took great delight in collecting and displaying treasures for each holiday. Her numerous collections included roosters, nesting dolls, egg plates, salt cellars, carnival glass, and more. A perfectionist in the best of ways, she loved setting beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables, ensuring that every gathering felt magical.

Her greatest joy, however, was in her family's love. Her parents and her brothers, Michael and Guy Button predeceased her. She is survived by her husband, Peter; daughters, Jennifer Kennedy and her husband Brian, and Karen Stevens and her husband George; her grandchildren, Sarah Larson, Alexander Stevens, Thomas Larson, Adam Stevens, and Julianna Kennedy; as well as her brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

She loved watching Survivor and discussing the latest villains and heroes with Sarah and Alex. She had a passion for The History Channel, especially American Pickers, and for reading, often re-reading many of her favorites.

She and Peter enjoyed countless long drives on winding country roads, always with a bologna and olive sandwich in tow and a song to sing along to—one of her earliest joys shared with her beloved mother. She was a formidable opponent in cribbage, scrabble, up-words, and gin, playing for hours with family and friends, always quick with a laugh. Her almost photographic memory made her an expert at Trivial Pursuit, never losing—even with lousy partners.

Gigi’s warmth, humor, and boundless love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the family traditions she created, the values she instilled, and the love she so generously gave.

A funeral Mass will be held at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL on February 24, 2025 at 11am.

As her family and friends mourn her passing, they find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace—perhaps sharing a game of cribbage or Trivial Pursuit, or singing a favorite tune with her mother in heaven.