Joyce M. (Pavao) Swanson, 72, of Warwick passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family.  She was the beloved wife of Robert F. Swanson for 45 years.  Born in Fall River, MA, she was a devoted daughter of Silvana (Alves) Pavao and the late Joseph Pavao of Dighton, MA.  
 
Joyce received a B.A. in Mathematics from Bridgewater State University in 1966 and a M.A. in Teaching from Rhode Island College in 1991.  She worked as a Math Teacher at St. Mary's Academy Bay View until her retirement.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her husband, and being a grandmother.
  
She was the loving mother of Cheryl A. Swanson of Marblehead, MA, Amy E. Paul (Brian) of Swampscott, MA, and Robert P. Swanson (Jennifer Norkus) of Chicago, IL.  Cherished grandmother of Julia, Andrea, Lauren, and Colin.  Caring sister of Joseph Pavao (Geraldine) of Portsmouth and Florida, James Pavao (Karen) of Annapolis, MD, Joan Bower (John) of Kings Park, NY, Jane Pavao (Kevin Nutter) of Dighton, MA, John Pavao (Laurie) of Somerset, MA, and the late Jeffrey Pavao (Marie) of Dighton, MA.
   
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick followed by burial in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  Relatives and friends are invited.  Calling Hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00-7:00 pm in THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Route 5, Warwick (Exit 12A on I-95).
   
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to McAuley House, 622 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 (www.mcauleyri.org) or Beacon Hospice, One Catamore Boulevard, East Providence, RI 02914 would be appreciated. 

 

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