Deborah S. Swift

Deborah Sue Swift, 66, passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at home surrounded by her family. Debbie was born March 16, 1952 to Harry and Helen Nelson. She lived most of her life in Norwalk and recently moved back following five years in Northern California. Debbie loved taking road trips to the coast, wine country, and anywhere she could camp. When she wasn’t on an adventure, she loved gardening, cooking, and spending time with her dog Maddie as well as all of her grand dogs. By far, what Debbie loved most were the friends and family that she surrounded herself with. Her home was always open to anyone who wanted to visit and when one was visiting, she preferred them to be as comfortable as they were in their own home. Given enough notice, Debbie wanted to know what her guest wanted for dinner. Friends and family could always count on an over-abundance of their favorite food, a few drinks and many laughs when they visited the Swift’s. Debbie received her diagnosis nearly a year ago while living in Northern California. She approached it with positivity and perseverance. Her strength impressed all who knew her. Once she got her diagnosis, she made an unofficial bucket list that she was fortunate enough to complete. She said good-bye to her California friends and moved back to Iowa, spent time with loved ones, and got to go on her annual trip to the Ozarks with her husband and best friends. None of her “bucket list” would have been possible without the help of family and friends. All of the love and support was the what made Debbie’s last year so wonderful. Her family will always be grateful. Debbie is survived by her husband, Jerry Swift; daughters, Dawn Walker and Kelly Swift; son, Michael (Carey) Swift; grandchildren, Ian Walker, Kenedi Walker, Silas Swift and Remy Swift; and sister, Sheri (Fred) Warren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Gary Dean Nelson and son-in-law, John Walker. A visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, December 9 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 10 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk. Special thanks to the staff at UCSF oncology, UIHC oncology, John Stoddard, UnityPoint Hospice and Dr. Chase of UnityPoint and Mark Owens, PA of Chico Immediate Care. All involved in her healthcare treated her with compassion and she cared for them deeply. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html) or Meals on Wheels (https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/).