1919 – 2003

MINOT – Mary Ann Swan, 83, a resident of Auburn passed away peacefully on Sunday Sept. 28, at her daughter’s home in Minot surrounded by her family.

She lived a long, productive life devoted to providing and caring for others. Her family is very proud of her and her heritage.

The youngest of five children born to Soloman and Mary Ann Gosse of Spaniards Bay, Newfoundland, she was born on Oct. 7, 1919.

Like many other young girls at that time, she began her work career as a domestic servant to help support her family. As a young women, she moved to Montreal where she first met Harold Swan, an American soldier serving during World War 11. The couple married and soon settled in Auburn.

She acquired her American citizenship and worked in local shoe shops and later at Bates Mill. Mary and Harold Swan had two children, Linda Swan Hayman of Minot and James “Jimmy” Swan who died April, 1989.

A generous person, Mary invested her time, energy and love in caring for others. During the 1980s she and her husband maintained the Snack Shack at Pettingill Park in Auburn where they served the hungry baseball players and fans, and taught their grandchildren how to make change and instilled in them an appreciation for a good hotdog.

She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, and maintained a reputation as a savvy cribbage player. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Auburn for more than 50 years. She was also a member of the Methodist Women’s Association, and the Ruth Circle of the church, where she will greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Hayman; three grandchildren, Dana Hayman, Sara Hayman and MaryBeth Boudreau; and by an extended family of nieces and nephews from Newfoundland, Canada.

She was predeceased by her husband Harold Swan; her son-in-law Ronnie Hayman; and her brother, Edmond Gosse.

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