104-Year-Old Josephine Swift Celebrates Life Through Reading

At 104 years old, Josephine Swift of Coal Creek embraces each day as a blessing, finding joy in reading her favorite books. Despite the typical decline in senses that often accompanies aging, Swift continues to indulge in literature, with her daughter, Bessie Lancaster, noting, “She’s not able to hear as well as she used to, but she absolutely loves to sit and read.”

Born on September 22, 1921, Swift has lived through monumental events in history, including the victory of the Allied Forces in the Second World War and the moon landing. More personally, she has been a cornerstone of her extensive family, which includes seven surviving children, 45 grandchildren, 163 great-grandchildren, and 73 great-great-grandchildren.

A Life Rich in History and Family

Swift’s early years unfolded in the 1300 block of River Street in Cañon City. She was one of ten children born to Benjamin Franklin Bolin and Clara Mae Leonard. After the passing of her twin brother, Joseph Vern, at just one year old, Swift spent time with her grandmother across the street from her family home. The family also enjoyed summers at their ranch in 12 Mile Park.

Her father worked as a carpenter, contributing to the historic water pipeline along the Arkansas River. He was known for his musical talents, often performing at local dances, which included bringing Swift and her four sisters to sing at the “poor farm” on Mother’s Day.

Swift attended Lincoln School and Roosevelt High School before starting her own family. She had five children with her first husband, Lee Millhollin, Sr., and later welcomed a set of twins with her second husband, Willie J. Swift. The family lived in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington during the 1950s before returning to Coal Creek in 1966.

Enduring Traditions and Lifelong Hobbies

Throughout her life, Swift held various jobs. These included work at a cannery, cleaning houses, and maintaining the Robison Mansion. She also contributed at the Apple Shed, a slaughterhouse, and even taught Sunday School for five-year-olds at her local church. Her creative talents shone through in quilting and cake decorating, including wedding cakes.

A family tradition of hosting large Thanksgiving dinners filled with laughter and fun has remained a cherished memory for Swift and her family. Bessie recalls that her mother was a “meat and potatoes” cook. Although Swift no longer engages in embroidery, she has passed that skill to her daughters, one of whom is currently creating a space-themed baby blanket for her soon-to-be great-grandson.

In her daily routine, Swift immerses herself in various reading materials, enjoying everything from Nicholas Sparks novels to playful children’s series like Little Golden Books. She also finds enjoyment in watching television, supported by her dedicated caregivers, Bessie and her husband, Robert.

When reflecting on her long life, Swift states, “Seeing my kids grow up” has been her most significant experience. She attributes her longevity to a simple lifestyle, noting that she has never smoked or consumed alcohol and has made an effort to eat well.

Swift’s interests are diverse; she loves cats, prefers tea over coffee, and has a particular fondness for the color red, while disliking yellow, even in her kitchen cupboards—an ironic twist, considering her husband’s background as a cabinet maker.

This past September, Swift celebrated her birthday surrounded by most of her surviving children, who traveled from across the country to be with her. The occasion was marked with cards and gifts from her extensive family, showcasing the strong bonds she has cultivated throughout her life.

As she continues to read and cherish her family, Josephine Swift exemplifies the notion that every day is indeed a gift.