Obituary of Eva L. Swan

Eva L. Swan, 97, of Erie, Pa., formerly of Lakewood, NY, passed away peacefully in Erie on Friday, August 30, 2013 with her sister by her side following an extended illness. She was the widow of James H. Swan whom she married June 13, 1942 and who died March 19, 1999. Eva was born in Panama, NY on August 7, 1916, a daughter of the late Clifford and Mabel Smith Rater, and attended school in Westfield. She married her husband Jim while he was in the Army and lived in several places, including California and New Mexico while he was overseas. Following his military service, they spent summers in Lakewood and Mayville and winters in Lutz and Tampa, Florida. Eva held many jobs over the years, from riveting stabilizers on P38 airplanes in Roswell, NM (Rosie the Riveter) and Consolidated Vultee in Downey, CA, to working at the former Grants Store in Jamestown, tying and picking grapes, and cleaning homes in Chautauqua Institution. A life member of the Mayville VFW, she enjoyed decorating and arranging flowers, attending auctions and yard sales, traveling and playing cards. She loved to be on the go and keep busy, and would do so at the drop of a hat. She enjoyed both reading and writing poetry, and always had a story to tell. Miss E was an incredible lady and will be greatly missed. Eva is survived by a sister, Vesta Breedlove of Erie, with whom she made her home the past several years; a brother, Darwin "Cub" Rater of French Creek; two brothers-in-law, Edwin Swan of Jamestown and Everett (Joan) Swan of Dewittville; two sisters-in-law, Clara Boland of North Clymer and Lorraine Swan of Jamestown; and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Eva was preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Swan and a brother, Harold Rater. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7th at the Mayville Cemetery. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Eva's family wishes to thank Hospice of Erie, especially Ashley and Pat, for their care and support.