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In LovingMemory of Patricia Swann   

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Pat's Obituary

 

Patricia Louise Stotler Swann

Founder of Lone Oak Montessori School, dies at 83

Pat Swann passed away peacefully on November 24th, 2020 after declining health due to dementia. The eldest of two daughters, “Patty” was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Elizabeth Pfeil and Clay C.C. Stotler. She graduated from Edgewood High School in 1955 and Allegheny College in 1959. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and graduated with a degree in Spanish. Pat later received a masters in childhood education followed by a diploma in Montessori education from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

 

Pat was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. Pat married Robert Henry Swann in June of 1959 and they started their married life together in Lacrosse, Wisconsin before settling in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 1963 where they lived for nearly fifty years. Pat greatly enjoyed her role as “Grandma,’” generously spoiling her seven grandchildren whenever possible. During many of these years, Pat also provided loving and loyal homecare to her husband, Bob, who was mostly paralyzed following a massive stroke in 1995, until his passing in 2009.  They were well loved and often surrounded by compatriots and enjoyed bringing their friends and neighbors fun surprises, such as the secret Swann Family Christmas Spice cake every year.

 

As a dedicated educator for over 40 years, Pat cultivated an environment for young children to discover and develop their unique potential, while supporting, inspiring and motivating dozens of fellow teachers and staff.  Initially, Pat worked at the World Bank before finding her calling in 1964 as a Montessori teacher and administrator. She held teaching positions at prestigious schools in the Washington, DC area including L’Enfant, Mater Amoris and the Farrell School before founding Lone Oak Montessori School in 1981 with Bob and Joan Condon. Lone Oak Montessori became a model for traditional AMI Montessori philosophy and grew to include a second location, giving many hundreds of students their foundations in education with thriving Toddler, Primary and Elementary programs for children from two through twelve. Pat retired as Director of Lone Oak in 2010 and relocated to Grass Valley, California to be closer to family. Pat was a mentor to many outstanding teachers whom she encouraged to open their own Montessori schools.

 

If you were close to Pat, you know she was an avid reader and enjoyed a thriving book exchange with her sister, Nancy, another devourer of literature. They loved all types of books, but seemed to read every military mystery thriller they could find. Pat also enjoyed spending summers at their rustic cottage in Scotland Beach, MD with family and friends - crabbing, reading or just enjoying the sunsets. 

 

Pat and Bob also loved to watch their kids play sports and rarely missed a game. They would drive hours to watch their youngest son, Rob, in his soccer matches throughout the east coast. Pat carried on the tradition cheering on her granddaughter Camryn after moving out west. 

 

Pat is survived by her son, Christopher and his wife Seanne Paussa Swann of Mountain Ranch, Calif, her daughter Betsy and her husband Cliff Brown of Nevada City, Calif, and her son, Robert and his wife Ann Marie Swann of Williamstown, Mass. Pat was the devoted grandmother to Orion, Granite and Carina Swann, Camryn Brown and Melissa, Luke and Kate Swann. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Gilmore of Pittsburgh, PA. 

 

A Virtual Celebration of life will be held on April 25th, 2021 at 11am PT/2pm ET via Zoom. A link to register for the celebration can be found here or on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/215GSk2Dl.  The zoom link will be provided to those who register.


The Patricia & Bob Swann Memorial Scholarship Program has been created in Pat and Bob’s honor. Information about the Scholarship Fund can be found at https://gofund.me/4701957b.

With love 
Chris * Betsy * Rob
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