Irma Frances (Moody) Swain

NORRIDGEWOCK – Irma Frances (Moody) Swain passed away April 6, 2025, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, after a long battle with declining health. She was born, Nov. 14, 1942, in Cornville to Orrin Moody Sr. and Vivian (Crockett) Moody.

She lived most of her life in Norridgewock, graduating from Skowhegan High School in 1961. After graduation she married her soul mate, Malcolm H. Swain, sharing 64 years together, raising six children and watching their family grow.

At the beginning of their marriage, Irma worked at Norrwock Shoe while Malcolm served in the Army. For the remainder of her life, she was a homemaker, a wonderful cook, making most meals and desserts from scratch. She had a green thumb and enjoyed her flowers and vegetable gardens. She processed the vegetables from the garden and made several different types of pickles all to sustain the family through the winter, until it was time to plant again. She would often provide guidance to anyone who asked for advice about cooking, gardening, knitting, crocheting and sewing.

She is survived by her spouse, Malcolm; children, Mary (Mike) Merrill, Carol (Duane) Steward, both from Skowhegan, Deanna (Fig) Newton, Concord TWP, Kelly Cheney, Dresden, Tami (Andrew) Chase of Kingfield and Marc (Jennifer) Swain Sr. of Norridgewock. Over the years, the family grew by 13 grandchildren plus spouses, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving her are siblings, Joyce Watson, Orrinetta Spooner, Arline (Hector) Berube, brother-in-law Donald Nickerson and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandsons Marc Alan Swain Jr. and Scott William Newton; son-in-law, Michael Cheney; sister Darlene Nickerson, brother Orrin Moody Jr. and brothers-in-law Russell Watson Sr. and Texton “Kippy” Spooner.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Redington-Fairview General Hospital for the care and compassion they gave the entire family during mom’s previous and recent hospitalizations, always providing the best care for mom and going above and beyond to make us feel supported and cared for.

A committal service will be held at the graveside for Irma, at Southside Cemetery in Skowhegan on May 7 at 11 a.m., Reverend Mark Tanner officiating. A celebration of her life will be held following the service at noon at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall, Route 201, Skowhegan.

Please visit Irma’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/irma-swain where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers,

please make a donation to a charity of your choice