FALMOUTH – Muriel “Jean” Swasey, 79, formerly of Andover, died Friday, April 27, at Sedgewood Commons with her loving family at her side, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born in South Portland on Sept. 4, 1927, a daughter of John G. and Florence (Miller) Heggeman.

She was educated in South Portland and Standish schools and was a graduate of Standish High School.

She started her working years at the U.S. Postal Service in Standish in 1947. She moved with her husband, John, to Andover to start his game warden career, and where she was a telephone operator.

She was known as a great chef, cake decorator, seamstress, and for many years she operated a boarding house in their family home.

In her later years, she was employed with Andover Wood Products, where she retired; she then returned to the U.S. Postal Service in Bethel, and was employed there until the mid 1990s.

Jean loved spending time with her grandchildren and “Rio.” She also enjoyed gardening, time at camp, her dogs, feeding her birds, building model railroad structures out of balsam wood. She had built an excellent replica of the Portland Union Station, where she remembered many happy memories with her dad.

She is survived by her children, Barry E. Swasey and wife, Susan, of Andover, Karen S. Swasey and fiancé, Wayne Jones, of Otisfield, Steve J. Swasey and wife, Kimberly, of Andover; and five grandchildren, Eric J. Swasey, Katherine V. Swasey, Tracy L. Dolloff, Roxane M. Dolloff, and Brandy L. Dolloff.

She was predeceased by her husband, John B. Swasey, on Nov. 19, 1988; a brother, Robert Heggeman; a sister, Helen Eaton; and a sister-in-law, Mary Stewart.