Janet G. Swanson, 87, died Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the West Shore Health Center. She was the loving wife, for over 60 years, of the late Roland E. Swanson.
A lifelong resident of Warwick, she was a daughter of the late Frederick H. and Alida (Vincent) Gavitt. Early in her life she worked as a secretary but spent all of her life as a caregiver. She took care of her mother, husband and all her family in a manner that was selfless and extraordinary. The most important things in her life were her love for her Roland, her Bob and especially her grandchildren. Janet touched so many in ways that go beyond words. She was a woman of strong Catholic faith, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and most importantly a friend to all. She always put her best face forward (full make-up, perfume and high fashion) even during difficult times, of which she had many. Janet stayed strong and amazingly positive and always put others first. She had a kind word, sage advice and warm embracing hug for everyone she met. Her smile was infectious and you couldn’t help but be happy around her. She was a beacon of light that brightened the world.
Janet graduated from Aldrich High School in the class of 1950. There she made many lifelong friends and met the love of her life, Roland. They built their home, had a son and lived life to the fullest. Janet loved the sun and took many vacations to beach destinations. She was a talented homemaker, great cook and loved to celebrate every holiday. One of her many passions was going to the casinos to play the slots. She loved it so much that she was happy even when the trip resulted in a loss. Once she became a grandmother, it became the hobby of choice. She loved spending time with Eric and Sarah, whether that was sleepovers, day trips, attending endless sporting and school events or simply just sitting and talking. She was the best Mom and MeMe any child could ever have.
She is survived by her son, Robert G. Swanson, his wife Kathleen C. and her grandchildren: Eric C. Swanson and Sarah E. Swanson, of Exeter, RI. She was also the sister of Francis G. Adams, Sr. and the late Elizabeth Mason, Vera Cotnoir, William Adams, Robert Adams and Vincent Adams. She was a loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews and a beloved member of her “second family”, the staff of the West Shore Health Center.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 3-5 p.m. in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Relatives and friends will remain in their vehicles in line and be allowed in two at a time, for social distancing. Her funeral liturgy will be privately held in St. Thomas More Church of Narragansett. A live streaming of her funeral liturgy will be held Friday, May 8, 2020 at 10 a.m., and can be found at https://livestream.com/stm.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to West Shore Health Center Activity Fund, 109 West Shore Rd., Warwick, RI 02889 will be appreciated. There she received excellent care and support for her last years of life.
