Phyllis Linehan Swanson, steadfast advocate for children


HIGH BRIDGE -- Phyllis Linehan Swanson, 64, of High Bridge died Tuesday (Sept. 26, 2006) at Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township.

She was born April 15, 1942, in Clodaugh, County Cork, Ireland. She was the daughter of the late Michael Linehan.

She and her husband, L. Kenneth Swanson Jr., were married 43 years, and were High Bridge residents for 32 years.

Phyllis arrived as a 17-year old in White Plains, N.Y., where she later married and gave birth to her first two children. She lived in Plainfield for nine years, where her third and fourth children were born. Through the years, she served as a leader and volunteer with many youth organizations, such as Rolling Hills and Watchung Mt. Girl Scouts, Plainfield and High Bridge Cub Scouts, North Hunterdon Little League, High Bridge Huskies and class trips chaperone.

Phyllis was a steadfast advocate for all children.

The linen department at Hunterdon Medical Center was fortunate to have her as its leader for 27 years. She was a true friend and loved by many.

Phyllis was a member of St. Joseph's Church in High Bridge.

Survivors in addition to her husband and mother, Mary Scully Linehan of County Cork, Ireland, include a son, Michael and wife, Victoria, of Kingwood; two daughters, Tara and husband, Rick Hintz of Lebanon Township, and Patti and husband, Jim Letko of Franklin Township; nine grandchildren, Katrina, Greta, Otto and Emma Sage Hintz, Kelsy, Connor and Fiona Letko, and Ronan and Rori Swanson (and another expected); three brothers, Michael in England and Tim and Gerard in Ireland; two sisters, Betty and Paula in Ireland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a son, L. Kenneth III and grandson, Griffin Patrick Letko.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Church, High Bridge. Interment will be in Lower Valley Cemetery, Califon. Calling hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Naughright-Scarponi Funeral Home, High Bridge.


My dear Mothers name is actually, Mary Philomenia [Linehan] Swanson, but everyone knew her as 'Phyllis' or 'Philly' or Mom or Nana...........she is deeply missed.

Emma Sage is missing her Nana. She understands that Nana has died and tells us that 'Angels carried her to heaven'. Emma Sage is also telling everyone "My Nana loves Me' over and over again,,,,,a fact that rings so true. My Mother loved children,,,,,,all children.

My Mum's family arrived a bit ago from Ireland and we are heading to my sisters to have dinner and put together photoboards, scrapbooks and a video slideshow for tomorrows calling hours and Saturday's Mass and funeral.

I am still in shock. My Mother was my dearest friend. I have a whole in my heart that is quite large, as my Mothers love for me and my love for her was great.

Please hug your children, call your parents, drop a note to a long lost friend......life is very precious and moments go fleeting by.