104-Year-Old Josephine Swift Celebrates Life Through Reading

At the remarkable age of 104, Josephine Swift of Coal Creek continues to embrace life with a passion for reading. Despite experiencing some decline in her hearing, Swift dedicates her days to enjoying her favorite books. Her daughter, Bessie Lancaster, shares that Swift finds joy in reading, stating, “She absolutely loves to sit and read.”

Born on September 22, 1921, Josephine Swift has lived through significant historical events, including the victory of the Allied Forces in World War II and the first moon landing. More importantly, she has created a lasting legacy as a cherished matriarch in her family. Swift grew up in the 1300 block of River Street in Cañon City, where she was one of ten children. Today, only she and her brother, Bill Bolin, remain.

Swift’s early life was marked by family connections and shared experiences. After the death of her twin brother, Joseph Vern, when they were only a year old, she lived with her grandmother nearby. The family often spent summers on their ranch in 12 Mile Park. Her father, a carpenter, contributed to the construction of the historic water pipeline along the Arkansas River and entertained locals with his musical talents. He frequently brought Swift and her sisters to sing at community events, including performances at the local “poor farm” every Mother’s Day.

Her education included time at Lincoln School and Roosevelt High School. With her first husband, Lee Millhollin, Sr., Swift had five children. After Millhollin’s passing, she married Willie J. Swift, with whom she had twin boys. The family moved frequently throughout the 1950s, living in states such as Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, before returning to Coal Creek in 1966, where she has lived ever since.

Throughout her life, Swift held various jobs, including work at a cannery and as a house cleaner. Her employment history also included stints at the Robison Mansion and the Apple Shed. In addition to her professional life, she taught Sunday School to young children at the local Mormon Church and enjoyed hobbies such as quilting and cake decorating.

Family gatherings are a cherished tradition for Swift, especially large Thanksgiving dinners filled with laughter and good food. “My father always told us, ‘If you can’t say something nice about people, then keep your mouth shut,’” she recalls, reflecting on her upbringing. Her daughter, Bessie, fondly remembers her mother as a “meat and potatoes” cook.

Today, Josephine Swift continues to delight in reading a variety of genres, including novels by Nicholas Sparks and classic children’s books like the Little Golden Books. She enjoys watching television and is cared for by Bessie and her husband, Robert, who provide round-the-clock support.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Swift humbly states that she has no special formula, admitting to never having consumed alcohol or smoked, and striving to maintain a healthy diet. Some personal insights about Swift include her love for cats, a preference for tea over coffee, and her dislike for the color yellow, which she ironically has to contend with in her kitchen cabinets.

Swift celebrated her latest birthday with a gathering of her surviving seven children, who traveled from across the country to honor her. She received cards and gifts from an impressive lineage that includes 45 grandchildren, 163 great-grandchildren, and 73 great-great-grandchildren. As each day unfolds, Swift embraces the time she spends with her family and the joy of reading, viewing every day as a blessing.