Age Concern Extend Condolences: Swan Family
The Board of Directors of Age Concern extended their sympathies to Sir John and the Swan family on the passing of Lady Jacqueline Swan.
“Lady Swan was named the patron of Age Concern Bermuda in the year 2004. She was one of the founding members of Age Concern in 1978, when the organization was solely a voluntary society,” the group said.
“During her tenure as a member of the Board of Directors of Age Concern, which spanned over two decades, she supported the introduction of the Annual Premier’s tea, the geriatric training program at the Bermuda College and many other community initiatives for seniors.
“During her earlier years of service with the organization, in addition to being the wife of the Premier, she was a quiet ambassador for seniors and made both official and non-official visits to the islands rest homes on a frequent basis.
Age Concern Chairperson, Mr. Erwin Adderley stated, “I had the pleasure of knowing Lady Swan. She was a poised and dignified lady of grace. I first met her when I returned to Bermuda as Director of Planning in 1972.
“Although I joined the Age Concern Board nearly a decade after she retired from it, I found a well-run organization with a tremendous legacy of credibility in serving the island’s seniors. It does not surprise me therefore that Lady Swan was instrumental in its beginnings.”
Executive Director of Age Concern Claudette Fleming indicated, “I had heard a lot about Lady Swan but I did not have the privilege of meeting her until I was interviewed by the Board of Age Concern in the year 2000. Then I got to know her really well.
“She and previous Chairperson, Mrs. Joy Leman, introduced me to donors and supporters to help the organization to grow. She had a tremendous amount of wisdom in balancing philanthropy and politics.
“In fact, when the Government changed in 1998, Lady Swan and her fellow Directors were instrumental in setting a new course for Age Concern, ensuring the organization would be available to seniors well past their tenures as Directors. Such wisdom was insightful and visionary. She will be sadly missed.”
Lady Swan was admired and adored, from her bake sales to assistance in four year scholarships for nurses who would be assured a job on return as payback, .. I really liked her and will miss her pleasant smile.