BATH — Shirley Mae Parshley Swearingen, 90, died peacefully at Mid Coast Hospital on January 21, 2012.

She was born in Bath on December 20, 1921, in the family quarters of the Shepard Street Firehouse, the daughter of George and Ethel Varner Parshley. Her father was driver of Engine 3, a horse drawn steam pumper.

She attended schools in Bath, graduating from Morse High School in 1940. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Rogers Hardware, Bath Iron Works, and Canal National Bank.

She was a member of the Bath United Methodist Church for over 70 years where she was actively involved with the Bath United Methodist Women, having once served as its President. She was a Ward 2 voting clerk for over 20 years. She also belonged to the Bath Coasters and volunteered for many years as a cub scout and brownie leader.

She married John F. Swearingen on October 26, 1946. Kindhearted and generous, she was a dedicated caregiver to family and friends throughout her life. She was also very patriotic, raising the American flag every day at her home. Each summer, she enjoyed supplying neighbors and friends with fresh raspberries from prized bushes in her yard. She also loved classic movies, particularly those featuring John Wayne.

She is survived by two sons, Terry R. Swearingen and his wife Barbara of Lake City, Florida, and R. Troy Swearingen and his companion Susan Curtis of Arrowsic; four grandchildren, Marc Swearingen and his wife Sara of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Heidi Barriger and Heather Swearingen of Lake City, Florida, and Rebecca Swearingen and her husband Alan Brown of Newburyport, Massachusetts; seven great-grandchildren, Cullen and Christopher Barriger, Abigail, Jonathan and Samantha Swearingen, and Christian and Nathaniel Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband John; a sister, Dorothy Swearingen; a brother, George Parshley; a sister, Priscilla Parshley, for whom she cared for many years; and a grandson, Jason Swearingen.

A graveside service is planned for the Spring. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bath United Methodist Church, Shirley Swearingen Memorial Fund, 340 Oak Grove Ave., Bath, ME 04530. Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.

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