Betty M. Swan

Swan, Betty M.

Rochester: Betty M. Swan passed away on September 26, 2014 after a short illness. Betty was born in Spaulding, IL in 1922 and lived in the Springfield area for over 88 years. Recently she was a resident of River Edge Manor and The Episcopal Church Home in Rochester, NY. Betty was the last of the 5 children of Charles and Janet Swan, immigrants from Newcastle, England.


Betty began her working career at age 18 singing "Happy Birthday" telegrams for Western Union. During WWII, she worked at Armour & Co., packing tins of meat to be sent to the soldiers. Women lost their jobs when the soldiers came home, but Betty found a position as teller at the Illinois National Bank, earning $100/mo. In 1966, Betty became one of only 4 women bank officers in Springfield when she was named Asst. Vice President of the INB. Betty never lost her zeal for learning and improvement. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking the first year women were permitted to attend.


Throughout her life, Betty traveled extensively, and upon retiring from banking, she opened her own travel agency, Travels by Swan. For over 20 years, Betty loved making travel plans for Springfield residents and for herself. When Betty was in her 70s, she was top scorer on a "Wheel of Fortune" cruise on the QEII, which allowed her to be a contestant on the television show.


Betty's pioneer spirit has been an inspiration to so many, especially her nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Online Condolences welcomed at: www.CrawfordFuneralHome.com

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