On Sunday, April 12, 2009, Julia Ritch Swanson, was welcomed into His Realm of the Multitudes. She will be interred with her late husband, Sven in his family plot at the Sderokras Sophie Margarita Lutheran Church, Sweden. She received her Bachelor of Education in 1939, majoring in Music and English and in 1950, received a Masters of Arts Degree in Music Education from Columbia University. Mrs. Swanson retired after 33 years in Bridgeport having become choral director for Warren Harding and Bridgeport Central High Schools. A commitment to excellence through study and practice by the students, resulted in state-wide recognition for the school's Madrigal Singers and the school's choral groups. Recognizing that her voice was not capable of the quality and range as a vocalist, she returned to the instrument of choice, the piano, studied many years with Burton Hathaway and later at the Hartt School of Music. The love of music and lyrics inspired her to become an accomplished poet and recognition in 1989 by the League of American Pen Women as a Connecticut Pen Composer, invited to read at many schools and universities. A collaboration with Burton Hathaway evolved into two tone poems "Maria Elizabeth" and "A Male Cardinal." Julia is survived by her brother, Philip; his daughter, Gail; his son, Neal living in Hawaii; and her late brother's son, William P. Caprise of Greenlawn, N.Y. A memorial service and music in celebration of her life will take place at her home at a time to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution to Vitas Hospice Charitable Foundation, 777 Commerce Drive, Suite 220, Fairfield, CT 06825 or The Wednesday Afternoon Musical Club Foundation, c/o Joseph Pardee, Treasurer, 24 Webb Circle, Monroe, CT 06468. To offer an online condolence please visit: www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com

Published in the Connecticut Post on 4/15/2009