Minette Swift

Mrs. Minette May Swift of White Rock, New Mexico went to her Savior on May 8, 2018 at the age of 79.

Minette was born to Frances and William Martin on July 11, 1938 in St Louis, MO, the youngest of four children. Her father died after an illness in 1939. In 1948 she moved to Denver, CO with her family, including her adoptive father, Wilfred Barteau.

Minette attended Cathedral High School in Denver, where she met her husband Robert (Bob) Swift in 1953. Minette and Robert married at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver on April, 20 1963, surrounded by Easter lilies. They moved to Seattle, WA, where they had three children, and then to Pleasanton, CA, where they had another child and raised all four children. She and Bob recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in April.

Minette worked for the school her children attended, Walnut Grove Elementary, as a lunch time yard duty, teacher’s assistant, and librarian. She held many volunteer positions in the Pleasanton youth soccer leagues. Minette and Robert moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1992, where she continued her work in the public schools, as a health aide, until her retirement in 2003. After, she became very involved with her Catholic church and especially enjoyed helping with funeral receptions.  She enjoyed traveling, going on pilgrimages, camping, and especially visiting her children and grandchildren.

Minette is survived by her husband, Robert Swift, White Rock, NM; her son, SFC Steven (Christine) Swift, Colorado Springs, CO; her daughters Elizabeth (Bryan) Gilmore, Boston, MA; Victoria (Bill) Scarlett, Jackson, WY; and Patricia L Swift, Rohnert Park, CA; her grandchildren Joshua and Peter Swift (Danielle), Ariel Gilmore, Sadie and William Scarlett, and her brother, Phillip Barteau. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Martin, Frances and Wilfred Barteau; her brother Richard Barteau; and her sister, Monica Kirkpatrick.

Minette’s family cherishes the memories of her as a devoted wife, extraordinary mother, adored grandma, and loving friend to so many. She always had a heart to listen and an infectious smile for everyone. She will be deeply missed and appreciated for being lovely Minnie by all.

A memorial Mass and reception will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos, NM on Monday, June 4 at 11.00AM, preceded by a rosary Sunday, June 3 at 7pm.  Internment will occur at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO. The family of Minette M. Swift has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.