Sarah Namian (Sally) Swanson died November 1, 2011. Born December 24, 1917 in Adana, Turkey, she was the youngest of 5 siblings who immigrated to the United States in 1919. She is survived by her sons, Clifford Richard Swanson and Raymond Harry Swanson, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A long time resident of the Springmoor Lifecare Center in Raleigh NC, her passion for life inspired friends and acquaintances alike to remain active and engaged in their community.

Married 43 years to Richard Nelson Swanson until his death in 1993, Sally balanced a career as a dental hygienist and homemaker in Long Island NY. Moving to North Carolina in 1987 upon retirement they first settled in the Lake Gaston area in North Carolina. She then moved to the Springmoor Lifecare Center in 1994. Family and friends will miss her pragmatic dedication to healthy living through the enjoyment of outdoor activities and exercise. Her recipes for Armenian food were lovingly passed on to the family through gatherings that served not only as nourishment for the body but also for the spirit. Her acceptance of everyone she met, shown through her smile and wit, filled the hearts of all whose life she touched and will serve as an example in her absence