Teresa Mary Swift, age 98, lifelong resident of Gladstone passed away peacefully at Lakeview Assisted Living on March 4, 2025.
Teresa was born March 24, 1926 in Escanaba, the daughter of Felix and Mary (DeHooghe) DeMay. She grew up in Gladstone and graduated from the Gladstone High School in 1944, where she was voted “Best All-Around Girl” in her senior class. She worked for the Soo Line Railroad and as a clerk in Dr. Dehlin’s office for many years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of All Saints Church, the Gladstone Golf Club and the Gladstone Study Club. Teresa enjoyed reading, baking and cooking. Traveling south during the winter months with friends and visiting family in Florida, was her way of escaping from the cold winter. She was an avid golfer and played into her mid 80’s. Whether she was working on a crossword puzzle, or going out to lunch with friends and family, she remained active. Her most cherished memories involved spending time at the family camp on the Escanaba River in Cornell. She will be missed greatly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Teresa is survived by her children, Bob (Ginny) Kennedy of Neenah, WI, Mike Kennedy of Gladstone, Patty (Tom) Blanchette of Norway, MI and Mary (Matt) Pollard of Faithorn, MI; step-children, Glen and Tom (Fran) Swift; nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, seven great grandchildren with one on the way, six step great grandchildren; her brother, Joseph DeMay of Palmetto, FL, her sister, Felicia Berman of Beverly Farms, MA and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Kennedy, her second husband, Floyd Swift, her parents, her brothers, John, Henry and Peter DeMay, her sister, Louise Kenyon and step-daughter-in-law Cheryl Swift.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 12 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 4:30 PM at All Saints Church in Gladstone. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Teresa will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
Teresa’s family would like to thank the staff at Lakeview Assisted Living and UP Health System Hospice for all their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Gladstone Scholarship Fund or Hospice would be appreciated.
John Pickard - Gladstone, mi
Teresa was a very Special Lady and sure proud of our group restoring the Soo Line Steam Engine #730. She had so many stories of working in the Depot in Gladstone. I so wished I could have spent more time with her and listened more to her. Such another piece of Gladstone History lost. We will remember you Teresa and feature your contribution to the Future Soo Line History Museum. Rest in Peace.
Aileen Gagnon - Kipling , Mi
Deepest sympathy
Aileen Gagnon
Kipling
Paul and Kathy Dollhopf - Gladstone, MI
Thinking of your family and shared Teresa memories with our mother Joanne
Mike Madden - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and yours. Mike and Alisa Madden
Pam & Rob Steffens - Milwaukee , WI
Our Deepest sympathy to Teresa’s family. She was a lovely person with a kind soul. We had several opportunities to visit, when She and Floyd would come to Milwaukee. Teresa was my Aunt Irene St. Martin’s friend and my sister Cheryl’s step mother-in-law. They both had nothing but kind things to say about her! I’m sure they both welcomed her to Heaven with open arms!
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Sharon Christiansen VanHall - Benton Harbor , MI
I have so many good memories of Teresa. Her caring and kindness was a blessing to our family for many, many years. My condolences to Bob, Patty, Mary, Mike and all her extended family.
Maxine farmer - Ewing, Nj
A wonderful lady, a pleasure having her for a Step Aunt. She will be missed by so many. SHE made Uncle Floyd, so happy.
RIP dear lady
Maxine Smith Farmer
Mike & Debbie Ziems - Franklin , WI
Bob & Ginny, it was so good to meet you at Cheryl’s funeral. We loved your Mom. I always had such good conversations with her when we were together or over the phone. We shared the love of the rosary and Fr. Rocky’s live broadcast.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God’s peace be with you at this time.
Gina Vandeville - Escanaba, MI
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother she was a nice lady. I am sorry I could not be at the funeral. All of you have my deepest sympathies.
Dave DeMay - Johnsonburg, PA
So sorry to hear of Aunt Theresa’s passing. What a wonderful human being. A model for us to look up to. Thoughts and prayers to all the gang back home.
Jeff & Jenny - Rapid River , MI
Deepest sympathies for your loss Skip.