In Memory

Alice Swaim (Fowler) - Class Of 1942

Alice Swaim (Fowler)

 

TERRE HAUTE — Alice Swaim Fowler, 87, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in her residence at Westminister Village in Terre Haute. She was born on Jan. 25, 1925, in Parke County, Rockville, Ind. Her parents were John and Mary Swaim of the Swaim Cross Road’s neighborhood in Parke County.

She is survived by her husband of over 63 years, Paul Clifton Fowler; two daughters, Mary Pickens and her husband Gary and Barbara Fowler; grandchildren, Emily Pickens (Matthew Thornton) Megan Pickens (John Laroe), Luke Bauer (Cathy), Matthew Bauer, Ruby Simmons, and Jesse Simmons; and a sister, Grace Thomas of Dallas. She was preceded in death by her middle daughter, Elizabeth Fowler Simmons; her parents; her twin sister, Ruth; and her brother, Bud (Harry).

Alice was a graduate of Rockville High School class of 1942. She attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland on a scholarship, and in 1946 she received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Indiana State University, and later received her Master of Fine Arts in 1965 in English. She attended numerous classes at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. She was a free-lance writer having published several books and articles on antiques and a series of autograph books of historic interest. She was an avid collector of antique quilts and fabrics and made several quilts. She was a member of Central Presbyterian Church, a Deacon and a strong supporter of the nursery school. She was a supporter of the Presbyterian Missions and edited their newsletters. She was a secretary of Audubon Society, a bird watcher and she was interested in citizen organizations and ISU. Paul and Alice liked to travel and had spent their summers in Maine for over 30 years. In 1967 they traveled six months throughout Europe in a VW station wagon with their three daughters. They took many other trips to Europe and a cruise to Jamaica with her sister and her husband. In October of 2009, Alice and Paul moved to Westminister Village in Terre Haute, leaving the home they had built and lived in for over 50 years in West Terre Haute.

The family kindly suggests that if friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace Home, who took such loving care of her daughter, Elizabeth, in her final weeks, at 2076 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 or to Open Arms of Minnesota, who provided nutritious meals to Elizabeth throughout her illness at 2500 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404. A memorial service to celebrate Alice’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in Central Presbyterian Church, 125 N. 7th St., Terre Haute. All Friends are welcome. Online condolences may be made at:
www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com