SWIFT, Lorraine

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, March 29, 2014 Lorraine Swift passed away on Feb. 16, 2014. Lorraine was born on May 30, 1926, in Portsmouth, N.H., to William Loraine Friesz and Anna (née Kachmar) Friesz. Lorraine's father was in the U.S. Navy so the family traveled from port to port, the children attending schools in many states across the country. After graduating from Maury High in Norfolk, Va., Lorraine attended nursing school during World War II. In 1947, the Frieszes moved to Southern California, where Lorraine worked as a surgical nurse until her retirement in 1990. Lorraine had many friends and enjoyed quilting, antiquing, gardening and traveling all over the world and the U.S. Lorraine and her husband of 64 years, Ted Swift, moved to Arizona in 1992 and made their home in Prescott, where she continued to embrace many new friends and neighbors, inviting them to her home and entertaining them with stories of her travels and adventures. Even living in her beloved home was an adventure for Lorraine, who watched the deer, birds and javelina that came through her yard. She is survived by her loving daughter, Pamela; her son-in-law Steve; and granddaughter Kelsey Watson, who live in South Carolina; her son Jerry of Florida; her brother Bob; and countless nieces and nephews. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents and brother Larry. Lorraine adopted two beagles, Gavin and Precious, from United Animal Friends in Prescott and they became her loving companions and the source of endless joy for her. For several years, Lorraine hosted "beagle parties" at her lovely home. Lorraine will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a very generous and giving person right to the end. If you wish to honor her memory, please contribute to UAF, P.O. Box 11133, Prescott, AZ 86304. Closure was private. Information provided by survivors.