Edith Rodman Swanell passed from this life on July 24, 2015.
She was born January 23, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Clarence Wiggins Rodman and Edith Stephens Rodman. She was named for her mother but called “June” (short for “Junior”) and known by that name by all who knew and loved her.
June was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward (Bud) F. Swanell. (He’s been waiting patiently for her since 2006, as he did all their years together.)
She was a loving, caring person whose passions included gardening, music, poetry, bridge and getting to know people. She volunteered with Northern Neck Hospice, The Free Health Clinic, Northern Neck Community Orchestra, The Lancaster Players and Historic Christ Church.
In addition to her volunteer activities, she enjoyed playing music on her accordion and piano. She performed with “40 Fingers” (four pianists), sang in the Grace Episcopal Church choir and regularly attended concerts in the area. She also played bridge as often as possible and delighted in meeting and greeting new arrivals at Rappahannock Westminster- Canterbury in Irvington, Va.
June was a member of “The Tuesday Group”, a Christian study/support circle of women. Also, she was a member of The Music Study Club, Choral Singers, The Women’s Club and Grace Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her daughters Suzanne Swanell Haynes (husband, Tucker) and Sally Swanell Kyger (husband, Kyle), grandson, Shannon Lee Kyger; her nieces Edie Clark and Janet Moller; her nephew Peter Rodman and their children and grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2015 at Grace Episcopal Church, Kilmarnock, Va. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Grace Episcopal Church Trust, P. O. Box 1059, Kilmarnock, VA 22482, Hospice of the Northern Neck. P.O. Box 262, Warsaw, VA 22572, Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts, P. O. Box 459, Kilmarnock, VA 22482 or Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury Foundation, 132 Lancaster Drive, Irvington, VA 22480.

Spirit
I will pass
this way someday
and cast no shadow
on the golden grass,
nor see my reflection
in the still water
of the cove.

But that will be
no loss for me
then a free spirit,
frequenting beloved places
and higher planes of grace.

June Rodman Swanell
(Published in Pleasant Living Magazine Feb/Mar 1995.)