Laurie Ellen Swistak

Laurie E. Swistak of Hunter Avenue, Newport, died at home in the presence of her loving family on September 18th after a heroic battle with cancer.Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on March 24, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Everett A. and Kathleen (O'Neill) Thibodeau. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Christopher R. Swistak and their four children Laura C. Swistak of Portsmouth, Christopher R. Swistak, Jr. (Heather) of Ballston Spa, NY, Brian Swistak (Kristin) of Arlington, VA and Patrick Swistak of Newport. Her six grandchildren Emma, Christopher III, Avery and Olivia Swistak, Cody Field and Tyler Boiani also survive her.She was the sister of Robert G. Thibodeau (Patricia) of Cumming, GA and David C. Thibodeau (Melody) of Belchertown, MA. She was the daughter- in- law of Walter and the late Helen Swistak of Newport and the sister-in-law of Mark (Deborah) Swistak and Michael (Paula) Swistak of Jamestown, Susan McWeeney of Middletown and Sally Swistak of Newport. Many nieces and nephews also survive her.A 1964 graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA, Laurie was also a 1990 graduate of Salve Regina University majoring in Religious Studies and Elementary Education. She taught at various area elementary schools most recently at Cranston- Calvert School for 18 years retiring in 2008.A parishioner of St. Joseph's Parish for many years, Laurie was a huge presence in that church community noted especially for her singing talent and Children's Choir at Christmas Eve Mass.Visiting hours are respectfully omitted at the request of the family.A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Broadway at Mann, Newport, on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 11:30 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Laurie's memory may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Joseph's Church, Mann Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. Service SEP 22. 11:30 AM St. Josephs Church Mann Avenue at Broadway Newport, RI, US