GILFORD ---- Mary Helen Hoover Swain, 88, of Swain Road, Gilford, NH has passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025, after a short illness.
Mary was born on January 4, 1937, in Smyrna, TN, to Grace Helen Hoover (Gentry) and Edwin Frances Hoover, Sr.
Mary married enlisted US Air Force Rex Bert Swain, Jr., in 1956 and moved to Gilford, NH to raise a family together.
She was a longtime member of the Gilford Community Church and resident of Belknap County. She retired from Gilford High School as dishwasher/lunch lady.
Her hobbies were sewing, knitting, being an avid reader, using her voice in song, clipping newspaper articles for loved ones, musical talents, and traveling.
She was passionate about how a smile can change your day, laughter is healing, and having an open hand to anyone in need.
Mary enjoyed creating memorable stories of adventures to be passed to the next generation. She gave back to the community by volunteering at, just to name a few, Friendly Kitchen, Adult Education GED Program, Gilford Old Home Day, and many church committees and functions.
Mary is predeceased by her son Rick Ned Swain in 1973, her husband Rex Bert Swain, Jr., in 1985, her brother Edwin Francis “Ned” Hoover III, of TN, in 2024.
Mary is survived by her son Mark A. Swain (Sandy), of Thornton, NH; daughters Heidi E. Swain (Ty Harris), of Elon, NC, and Bonnie T. Swain, of Laconia, NH; grandchildren Hannah Swain Lovik (Fred), of Upplands Vasby, Sweden, Amanda MacAuley (Aaron), of Thornton, NH, Tyler Ray (Catherine), of Campton, NH, Jenny Russell, of Laconia, NH, Jerikah Sylvia, of Laconia, NH; and great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Alex MacAuley and Ellie Ray.
Services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford, NH 03249.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.