Mary Melinda 'Mindy' Swan, 50
Mary Melinda “Mindy” Swan passed away at home in her sleep on Dec. 31, 2017, surrounded by her family.
Mindy was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on July 26, 1967. She grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, with her wonderful parents Bill and Mary Lou Swan, and her protective big brother Dave. Mindy graduated from State College Area High School in 1985 where she excelled in art, field hockey and swimming. She loved working summers at Krislund Camp where she made many lifelong friends.
Mindy attended Gettysburg College, graduating in 1989 with a major in psychology and studio art or, in her own words, “Do you want fries with that?” During her college years, Mindy was involved with social justice issues and received the Edwin and Leander M. Zimmerman Senior Prize for her character, influence on students, and contribution to the well-being of the college.
After graduating, she loaded up her Mazda truck with her guitar and bike and set out for a summer job in Glacier National Park. While working in the park she fell in love with the mountains and decided to make Montana her new home.
Mindy worked for School District No. 6 in Columbia Falls, Northwest Montana Human Resources, and Montessori School in Whitefish.
She married Dan Frankino in the summer of 1991, and two years later they welcomed their amazing daughter Maggie.
Despite a 24-year battle with cancer, Mindy always had a positive outlook on life and looked forward to the next adventure. She knew how to have fun and live each day to the fullest, and she inspired others to do the same.
She loved to garden, hike, ski and camp with family and friends.
She was an artistic and creative soul and always had a project or two in play.
Mindy was preceded in death by her dad Bill Swan, her father-in-law John Frankino, and her brother-in-law Steve Frankino.
Mindy is survived by her husband Dan, daughter Maggie, mom Mary Lou, brother Dave, mother-in-law Aggie, sisters-in-law Janice (Stuart) Doggett, and Kathi, brother-in-law Dave, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind her dog Toby.
If you would like to send a memorial in honor of Mindy, the family would suggest WINGS, P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell, MT 59904, Camp Mak-A-Dream: campdream.org, and/or First Descents: firstdescents.org; or a charity of your choice.
At Mindy’s request, a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 21, in Whitefish.
Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is caring for the family.