Deborah Swift

Deborah Swift was a truly compassionate woman with a heart for others. She pursued a career in the medical field so she could help those in need. Of course, Deborahs happiest moments were spent caring for her own son Sam, whom she loved dearly. In the year 1965, protest movements were at the forefront of discussion as more and more U.S. troops headed off to Vietnam. Yet, it was also the golden age of drive-in theaters and the Beatles owned the top of the charts. It was during this time of great change that Deborah Jeanne Swift was born in Lansing, Michigan, on October 24, 1965, to John Jack and Nancy (Myers) Swift. The youngest of two Swift children, Deborah grew up in the company of her older brother, Michael. As a child, Deborah was quite petite, but her boatload of energy and boisterousness made up for her size. In fact, Pillsbury had a commercial on TV at the time promoting Funny Face kids drinks and one of the flavors was Loud Mouth Lime, which her family said fit Deborah. Some of Deborahs fondest childhood memories were made at her grandparents cottages on the lake up north. She enjoyed summer water sports and skiing in winter. As she got older, Deborah became less rambunctious and more focused, particularly on her studies. She was an excellent student throughout her academic career in the East Grand Rapids Public Schools. However, she could never get away from being known as Little Swifty or Mikes little sister. In high school, Deborah was very sociable and loved to get caught up in everyone elses dramas. Her brother Mikes friends also saw a change in Deborah and rather than pick on Mikes little sister, they wanted to ask her out. In order for this to work, though, they couldnt tell Mike so he was always the last to know. From an early age, Deborah had such a care giving heart that she knew she wanted to pursue an occupation that would let her help others. After she graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, Deborah went on to attend Valparaiso University in Illinois, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she earned her degree in Occupational Therapy. Deborah put her education to good use as an Occupational Therapist at various facilities. She had an especially sensitive heart when it came to elderly people and always treated them with great respect. In her mind, they were someones grandparents and that made them special. Deborahs mom remembered a time when Deborah was working in a nursing home and there was a lady who never had any visitors or family come to see her. So Deborah would come in on her days off to sit with her. It is a huge heart that takes time to do small things that touches someone forever. For Deborah, it was always about everyone else, never herself. This was especially true when she was blessed with her precious son, Sam, who brought extraordinary joy into her life. Deborah was a single parent and traveled a lot for her career. However, she came to realize that she and Sam needed to be closer to their support system, which was her mother and brother. Deborah and Sam both shared a very special and unbreakable bond with Deborahs mother, and her strength and support they could always count on. Sam is only seven years old and wise beyond his years. He could intermingle with adults and children with no problem, though his closest connection was with his mother. It was said he was the only one who truly understood her. Those who truly give are those who truly care. Deborah Swift gave her all to her son, her family and those in need. She will be deeply missed. Deborah Jeanne Swift, age 41 of Grand Haven, Michigan, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 12, 2007. She is survived by her son, Samuel Swift of Grand Haven; mother, Nancy (Myers) Swift of Grand Rapids; father, John Jack Swift of Colorado; and brother, Michael Swift. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Grand Haven, with visitation 1 hour prior. Rev. Morris Fetty will provide the eulogy. A reception for food and fellowship will immediately follow at the funeral home. Please visit Deborahs personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign the online guest book.