I remember clearly when Mrs. Swisher first came to the high school to teach Spanish. She was replacing Mrs. Remley, who was well liked. But it wasn't long before we knew Mrs. Swisher was special. On a more personal note, she had a major role in my selection for a two-month student exchange to Mexico in the summer of 1970, which was a wonderful experience and opportunity for me.

Dear Sarah and Scott and families,

News has only just reached me of Nancy's passing. She was a remarkable woman and I remember fondly visits to Bowery Street when I was in school at the U of I, where I was blessed to enjoy her wit and warmth. She lived an amazing life!

Dear family of Mrs. Swisher,

I was a student of Mrs. Swisher in the early 1980s. She took our class on a trip to Mexico and introduced me to the Spanish-speaking world. She also introduced me to our exchange student from Chile, Maria, and presented me with an opportunity to study in Costa Rica. It was a wonderful experience that changed my life.

I lost touch with her in recent years, and she was coming to my mind many times this fall. I still speak Spanish, and after a career in business, I now teach immigrants and refugees, many of them Latinos.

Taking Spanish classes from Mrs. Swisher had a life long impact on me, and I am so grateful for her influence.

Many blessings to all of you.

The following memory is part of an alumni update article from Carol Dolezal'81, that will be in the upcoming issue of the alumni newsletter. It is too bad Nancy did not get to read it. Perhaps you can pass this on to her family?

'Four years of Spanish provided many opportunities to try to convince Nancy Swisher to let us have a fiesta day instead of studying boring grammar and vocabulary. Years later when I was in Costa Rica, at the end of two weeks Spanish immersion, I found myself engaged in a conversation (albeit with baby Spanish) with a Jewish family about what it was like to live in a country that is predominately Catholic. I thought, Muchas gracias, Señora Swisher!'

Dear Sarah and Family,

I was so sorry to read about your mother and so pleased that Rod Sullivan mentioned her in his Salvos.

I was with my sister in CA and wasn't able to express my sympathy in person. Please forgive me.

I know her memory and legacy lives on in great people. She was an active and wonderful lady. I can still see her smiling in your living room!

In sympathy, Nancy Porter

To Sarah and Scott and families,

My sympathy is extended to each of you today.

I was out of town and just saw this, I am sorry I was unable to attend your mothers service. I will remember her gentleness and warm smile always.

Linda (Sexton) Fobian

Hello Sarah and Scott,

I have very fond memories from 1962-1964 playing at your house. Like your wonderful collie, Molly? And great cookies from your Mom.

I am sorry we lost touch. I have thought about you so many times over the years.

Your Mom's life sounds just amazing, I hope she wrote a book, or some kind of journal. What a strong woman she must have been! I wish I would have known her as an adult.

Condolences. Nan Ingersoll

Sarah and Gary,

To all Mrs. Swishers relatives,

Ive just heard the sad news of Mrs. Swishers passing. Please, receive my deepest condolences.

I always think of her, and believe it or not, this week she came to my mind on more than one occasion.

During the past year I called her up several times, but unfortunately I couldnt get through, because there was a recording not accepting the unauthorized call.

Scott and Sarah, Im thinking of you and your extended families. Say hi to everyone.

All members of my family feel sad as well, and they ask me to tell you so.

You are all in our hearts, and I will certainly remember her.

Maria Isabel Vivanco.

Please accept my condolences. Nancy was an amazing person and a good friend. I am sorry for your loss. I am sad not to be able to attend her memorial service, but I am working at a service at my church at the same time. She will be missed.

My deepest condolences to the Swisher family and to Iowa City for the loss of Nancy. The passing of strong, committed women like Nancy provides an opportunity for others to learn and marvel at her accomplishments. Our world needs the likes of Nancys. May we all have a bit more of her in each of us. I'll do my best to honor her legacy. Celebrate her life well.

I was a teacher with Nancy for several years at Mt. Vernon HS.

Our rooms were across from each other, and we had many visits everyday.

She was a dear friend of mine. Always ready to visit, always interested in what was going on in my life, and family. She was a wonderful encourager to the faculty and the students

My children all were her friends. I was also a coach, and she was always happy to visit about the teams I coached, and how we were doing.

I thought of Nancy often, a truly inspiring lady. A classy lady in every respect.

Sarah,

With much sympathy. Your mother's obituary was lovely, and we are sorry for your loss.

Mary & Gregg

Sra. Swisher was an inspiration to me. I use the Spanish she taught me every day, and I can only hope that I touch someone's life in the way she touched mine.

Sarah and Scott - My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. You must have so many loving memories to hold close to your heart. God Bless you and your families.

To the family of Nancy Swisher,

Dearest Nancy was a unique and remarkable lady--one of character, strength, courage, wisdom, giftedness and so much, much more. She enriched and blessed our lives with love, support, and friendship over the last many years. We treasured her, and she will remain forever in our hearts.

Someone once said: "When a person dies, a library burns." For all of us who now have lost Nancy, this is abundantly true. No longer is she here to share her rich life's experiences, her political views, her knowledge of languages, her insights into distant cultures, and above all, her friendship. Hundreds of students will remember her fondly as will those of us who were her colleagues.

Mrs. Swisher was one of my favorite teachers at Mt. Vernon high school. I had her all 4 years. She was always cheerful and helpful. I looked forward to her class each and everyday! My father was a teacher and coach at Mt Vernon as well and I know my dad, Bob Landis, enjoyed her as well! I remember the fiestas we would have in her class. Everyone loved Mrs. Swisher!

So sorry to hear of the passing of Señora Swisher. I was fortunate enough to have had her for four years. What a wonderful woman, she will be missed.

Greg "Pedro" Encke

I was so sorry to hear about the death of Sra Swisher. She was a great person and I loved her as a teacher, I have lots of fond fond memories of our days in her classes and travelling to Mexico. She most definitely left a lasting impact on me and hundreds of kids...Many condolences.

Sarah: So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I love you GaGa.