Joan D.W. Swain

Joan Dunbar (Wood) Swain of Old Saybrook, formerly of West Hartford, died Tuesday March 13, 2012. Born in Buffalo N.Y. on Sept. 18, 1923 She was the daughter of Kenneth and Emily (White) Wood and widow of Robert Burrough Swain Jr. She leaves three daughters: Virginia Swain Baratta and her husband Joseph, of Worcester, Mass, Barbara Hawes Swain of San Diego Ca., and Wendy Wood Swain of Old Saybrook. Joan was predeceased by her son, Robert Burrough Swain III. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Axford Wood Jr., of Deep River CT and four grandchildren: Kristin Park and her husband Richard, Thomas E. Cone and his wife Karen, Mark Harriman, and Thomas R. Holt II and his wife Michelle. She also leaves seven great grandchildren: Erik and Emily, Robby and Kayla, Alex, Isabelle, and Kaia.

Joan attended Elmwood and Park Schools in Buffalo, graduated from Hand High School in Madison CT and attended the University of Connecticut prior to her marriage, then moved to Washington DC with her husband who was an Army Air Corps Captain and Meteorology officer at Bolling Field during World War II. After the war they moved to West Hartford where her husband joined and continued his father's construction business. They were members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford.

The Swains moved to Old Saybrook in 1977 where her husband continued his construction company. She assisted him and was involved in community service. Joan was an active member of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme for 35 years, where she served on several committees and as a lector at services.

There will be a celebration of her life held at St. Ann’s Parish church, 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme on Saturday March 31, 2010 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to St. Ann’s Church, Old Lyme, or to Episcopal Relief and Development.

The family thanks all Mrs. Swain’s caregivers: Middlesex Hospital, Apple Rehab of Old Saybrook, the Lower Valley VNA, and the Agency on Aging, for their kind and compassionate care.

The Swan Funeral Home, Old Saybrook, has charge of the arrangements.

Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com to leave an online tribute or condolence..