Miriam L. Swift

GLENMONT – Miriam L. Swift, 88, of Glenmont, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Hospice Inn in St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.  Miriam was born in Schenectady, the daughter of the late Donald Becker Yates and Margaret Mary Hermann Yates.  She was raised in Scotia, and was a 1944 graduate of Scotia High School.  She attended Mildred Elley College, and was employed by General Electric, the New York Central Railroad freight office, and the New York Telephone Co.  She later owned and operated the Continental Pastry Shop in 20 Mall with her sister for fourteen years, and she worked as a decorator for Swift Builders.  Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and cooking delicious meals that brought everyone together.   She also enjoyed gardening, puzzles, playing cards, and baking.  She loved to travel, and visited Europe including France, Monaco, and Italy; and in the U.S. enjoyed Wildwood and Cape Cod.

Miriam was predeceased by her husband William R. Swift in 2004.  She is survived by her children Donald (Susan) Swift of Guilderland, Michael (Wendy) Swift of Altamont, Gregory (Nancy) Swift of Glenmont, Karen (Garry) Hilton of Schenectady, William R. (Debbie) Swift, Jr. of Delmar, Theresa (Keir) Aspin of Delmar, and Kathleen (Mike) Rosenthal of Glenmont; her sister Helen Baldes of Guilderland; her grandchildren Neil, Shaun, Spencer, Stewart, Tom, Jennie, and Kristina Swift, Amanda Mitchell, Sarah Hilton, Billy and Marykate Swift, Ellie Aspin, and Emily and Joshua Rosenthal; her great grandchildren Garrett and Gabrielle Mitchell; and her nieces Dawn Hansen (Tom), and Debbie Smullen (Larry).  She was predeceased by her daughter Linda Jean Swift, and her sister Elizabeth Jane Smullen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, Wednesday morning at 9:00am.  Inurnment will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, Wednesday morning after the mass. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a celebratory reception of Miriam’s life at her home, 33 Sage Lane, Glenmont, Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.