Martha Swanson

In loving memory

Martha Ellen Forbes Swanson, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, age 77,
of Brattleboro, VT, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 2 at her daughter’s home in
Canton, CT. In her final days, Martha was surrounded by loved ones who were by her
side during a comfortable and peaceful passing at one of her favorite places to spend
her time. She was a beautiful, generous, and loving soul who will be greatly missed by
all who knew her.

Martha was born in Salem, MA, to the late Priscilla Deming Forbes and the late Francis
Forbes. She was raised in Marblehead, MA, with her two surviving siblings, Nancy
(Forbes) Robertson of South Berwick, ME, and Thomas Forbes of New Orleans, LA.
She recalled an idyllic upbringing that included days spent on Marblehead Harbor on
the family’s sailboat, The Rebel.

Martha attended Marblehead High School and then went on to earn her bachelor’s
degree in English from UMASS Amherst. She spent most of her adult life in Brattleboro,
VT, with her spouse, Clay Swanson, age 76, where they raised their daughter, Hailey
(Swanson) Miller, age 43. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Avery Miller, age
19, and Dawson Miller, age 15, and a son-in-law, James Miller, age 44. She was a
lovingly involved parent, grandparent, and wife who was present at every milestone.
Some of her favorite activities included spending time in nature, going for walks, making
art, and most of all, spending precious time with family, especially her beloved
grandchildren.

Although her physical presence will be greatly missed, Martha’s gentle spirit will remain
in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life will be held in Vermont
at a later date, as well as a remembrance ceremony at Waterside Cemetery in
Marblehead, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents.