Obituary of Nancy T. Blears

Nancy T. Blears, 96, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021 at her home in Lakewood, NY with her long-time caregiver and cherished friend, Eun Lamb at her side. She was the widow of the late John Blears, Jr. who died February 26, 1992. Nancy was born April 16, 1925 in Jamestown, a daughter of the late Kenneth A. and Mildred Danielson Tornebohm. She was also a granddaughter of the late John P. Danielson, founder of the former J.P. Danielson Tool Company in Jamestown. She was a 1943 graduate of Jamestown High School and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Skidmore College in 1947. A member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Nancy belonged to The Creche, Inc., Norden Women's Club where she was a past president, American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, Vasa Order of America and Thule Lodge No. 127, Fenton Historical Society, YWCA of Jamestown, Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters of Jamestown. She also formerly served on the board of Family Service of Jamestown. In addition to her friend and caregiver, Eun Lamb, surviving are two sons: Matthew Wilson Swanson (Diane) of Winnsboro, SC and Charles Knute Swanson (Diane) of Pulaski, VA; her sister, Lois Galloway of Lakewood, NY; nine grandchildren: Lisa Swanson Preece (Trulan) of Provo, UT, Luke C. Swanson (Joye) of Jamestown, Alycia D. Costanzo (Gabe) of Hemlock, NY, Charles Knute Swanson II (Janette) of Vista, CA, Ben A. Swanson (Mindy) of Houston, TX, Katherin E. Long (Mike) of Akron, NY, Scott Dublin (Angela) of Pittsford, NY, and Lori A. Black (Will) and Angela D. Connor, both of Winnsboro, SC; two step grandchildren: Lauren Byrne (Ben) and Kimberly Bausback (Michael), both of California; a number of great grandchildren and a great-great grandson; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, John Blears, Jr., Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, David W. Swanson; son, Mark T. Swanson; daughter, Trudy N. Dublin; grandsons, Peter N. Dublin and Mark D. Swanson; stepsons, Richard J. Blears and Norman J. Blears; and a sister, Carol Tornebohm Nash. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Hospice for all their kindness, assistance and care, especially Gretchen Weigle in these last days. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; OR St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main St, Jamestown, NY 14701.