TOPSHAM — Jan Swinchatt, 81, died April 10 at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, from a severe case of interstitial lung disease.

Swinchatt was born in Lewiston on June 30, 1933, to Margaret and Frank Bean. She grew up in Otisfield, attending local schools, and graduated from Gould Academy. After earning a degree from Traphagen School of Design, she worked for short periods as a photographer and for an advertising agency.

She married her husband, Peter Swinchatt, in 1955, shortly after he graduated from college.

Work demands led the couple to live in many places, both in the United States and abroad. Jan and Peter resided in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and numerous locations in Texas before moving to Indonesia, Tunisia and Brazil. In retirement, they moved to Jan’s house in Norway, before building a home at Highland Green in Topsham.

Swinchatt is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years; her son, Tom, of Montgomery, Texas; her daughter, Karen, of Peachtree City, Georgia; and her son, Jeff, of Senoia, Georgia. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jennifer, Melissa and Allison Swinchatt; Ryan, Ross and Renee Roark; and Steve and Sam Swinchatt.

At her wish, Swinchatt was to be cremated without a memorial service, and her remains interred in Norway.

The family extends thanks for the excellent care provided by the ICU staffs at both Mid Coast Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, 84A Union St., Brunswick, ME 04011.

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