Carol Swanwick died peacefully on April 17, 2023, in Goshen with her family at her side.
Daughter of Carl H. Semke and May Buckley Semke, she was born in the Bronx on March 28, 1934.
After completing her education at Mount Saint Ursula Academy, Carol moved to Goshen with her mother and completed high school at the age of 16 (Class of 1950, Goshen Central High School).
She later attended Maryland College for Women and Cazenovia College, where, in addition to academic work, she practiced equestrian arts and later won awards for her skill in show jumping competitions.
Carol met her future husband, Francis “Jazz” Swanwick, after the young ex-Navy man noticed that her horse, kept in a barn adjoining the Historic Track, seemed undernourished and in need of better care. Carol, struggling to keep up with horse duties, accepted the charming offer of help. Carol and Jazz were married in 1952 in a wedding ceremony at the Salesian Chapel in Goshen.
Carol always carried herself with grace. While managing a home and large family, she took on most of the domestic responsibility as a mother and wife while continuing here education and completing baccalaureate and master’s degrees.
Carol’s work career included night shifts at Arden Hill Hospital and service as a school nurse for Goshen Central School District. She also served as Director of Healthcare Services for Orange County Community College, and subsequently provided nursing services for ARC of Orange County.
Carol lived a full and vibrant life, was an expert quilter, enjoyed reading, learning, and precious time with her family and many friends.
Carol was an adventurous woman and traveled widely with her close friend, the late Suzanne Schwartz, making several trips to Ireland. On one adventure, the duo traveled to the Hudson Bay wilderness via the Missanabie River and camped outdoors and ported canoes over land. Near her 80th birthday, Carol zip-lined the rainforest canopy of Costa Rica and for her 80th birthday, mounted an English-saddled horse and rode with her youngest daughter one last time to complete her bucket list.
From childhood, Carol made annual visits to her favorite place in the world, Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J. This tradition continued until failing health prevented it, but Carol spoke of Avon fondly until her final days.
Carol was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Francis Gerald Swanwick, her sister Joan Semke Dally, sons-in-law Dr. Ron Sherman and Alan Wiley, and her dear friend Joseph R. Donovan, with whom she shared a warm and wonderful relationship.
She is survived by her five children: Deborah Sherman-Carrier and her husband, Paul Carrier, of Bluffton, S.C.; Mary Kay Jankowski and her husband, Stanley, of Goshen; Kevin Swanwick and his wife, Kathy, of Walden; Patty Swanwick-Wiley and her partner, Robert Giaimo of Goshen, and John Swanwick and his wife, Laureen, of Belmar, N.J.; grandchildren Colleen and Jeremy Hughes, Matthew (Emily) and Daniel (Cori) Jankowski, Patrick Pierpoint, Griffin Swanwick, and Holley Carol and Paulette Swanwick. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Clara and Louisa; Elliott and Vivian, and Amaya Marie, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Carol’s family appreciates the love and support of her many friends, most notably Anne McBride who remained by Carol’s side through her declining health.
Visitation was held April 24 at Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 25 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen.
Interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Goshen followed.
Donations in Carol’s memory may be mailed to Goshen Generosity Challenge, 137 Murray Ave. ,Goshen, N.Y. 10924, or venmo@goshengenerosity; or Hudson Valley Honor Flight, PO Box 375, Walden, NY 12586.