Ann Swain

Ann Swain, 69, of Bolar passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at her home and surrounded by family. She was born April 23, 1943 in Detroit, MI, a daughter of the late George Louis, Jr. and Edith Marguerite (Wagner) Domine. Ann received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Western College for Women, Ohio in 1965. She began her Master's degree in social work at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and completed her degree at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI in 1968. In 1982 she completed a program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in Philadelphia, PA. Lastly, she completed a second Master's degree in Spiritual Direction and Holistic Spirituality from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA in 1998. Ann practiced psychotherapy and spiritual direction throughout her life. Her first exposure to Virginia occurred in 1994 when she purchased a vacation home in Blue Grass. As the years passed she found herself increasingly drawn to the mountains and returned as a full-time resident in 2003. Ultimately, she made her home in the Bolar community. Ann first fell in love with the mountains and would harbor equal sentiments for the people that welcomed and embraced her into the community. She truly felt blessed to live amongst such kind and courteous people, and she described the area as "the perfect place to live". A member of the McDowell Presbyterian Church, Ann found particular enjoyment when amongst the church's congregation. She also devoted much of her time to volunteer work at The Attic in Monterey as well as with hospice, in both she found true gratification. She is survived by her daughter, Sara Gilpin and partner, Tucker Sherry of Newark, DE; her son and daughter-in-law, Todd Gilpin and Jennifer Murphy and their three children, Colin, Brodie, and Delaney Gilpin, all of Glen Mills, PA. A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2013 at McDowell Presbyterian Church with Rev. Beth Pyle officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to McDowell Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 66, McDowell, VA 24458.

---