With profound sadness and broken hearts, the family of Samantha Margaret Swift, age 54, of Butler, share her sudden passing at her residence on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 from a catastrophic medical event.
Her light began to shine in Butler, where she was born, on March 25, 1969. She was the beloved daughter of James E. and Catherine Bello Swift.
Precocious, driven, competitive, and caring, Samantha rose to the position of Interim Vice President of University Advancement at Slippery Rock University. She began her storied and lengthy career in higher education at Chatham University for 18 years where she ultimately became Assistant Vice President of University Advancement.
A 1987 graduate of Butler High School, she was treasurer of her senior class, a member of the tennis team, and a budding cymbals player in the marching band. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English from Pennsylvania State University and her teaching certification from Chatham University.
Quick witted, hysterical, consummate storyteller and voice of disco and classical pieces alike when near a microphone, she enchanted people with her gifted radiance. How she shined! She spread her brilliance around the world as an ardent traveler. Embracing adventure, she loved planning the next journey.
In addition to her parents, Samantha is survived by her wife, Dana Rae Meute; one brother, Mark A. Swift and his wife, Christine, of Butler; one sister, Stephanie M. Swift and her husband, Rick Dutrow, of Irwin, Pa.; her mother-in-law, Betty Jane Meute, of The Villages, Fla.; one brother-in-law, Raymond R. Meute and his wife, Nancy, of Lincoln University, Pa.; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Her singular light now extinguished here, is without a doubt illuminating heaven with “Last Dance,” her signature song, and daily dance parties.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Ave., Butler, on Friday, Jan. 5, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
A Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Parish, Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, with Deacon Mike Kaufman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to SRU Foundation, Inc., 104 Maltby Ave., Suite 202, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.
www.martinfh.net