Caren Ingrid Swain

Swain, Caren Caren Ingrid Costello Sprague Swain went to join her beloved Art on August 8, 2011. She was born on September 23rd 1939 in a log house in Birch Township, eight miles from Blackduck Minnesota. Her parents were Tommy and Renaye (Lemmer) Costello. She is survived by her two beloved daughters, Teryl and husband William Fadgen, and Tracy and husband Roy Courtright. Colleen and Thomas Fadgen survive her, as does her great grandson Avery Fadgen. She is also survived by four siblings, Gary Costello of Salem Oregon, Pat Hazekamp (John) of Silverton Oregon, Terry Costello (Carolyn) of Boise Idaho, and Jean Jackson of Mankato Minnesota. Her parents and her brother-in-law, Dennis Jackson, preceded her in death.
Caren attended Blackduck School all 12 years, graduating as the valedictorian of the Class of 57. She was extremely active in her church, 4H, academics, debate, speech, and drama, winning numerous district, regional, and state honors. The University of Minnesota awarded her one of the first Seave��?�s scholarships. After a year, she left to marry Vernon Sprague, of Kelliher. She and their daughters spent the next 20 years at various Air Force bases in the U.S. and Germany, before Vernon retired from active service. They settled in New Mexico, where Caren had worked in the Presbyterian missions many years before. Caren graduated from the University of New Mexico with degrees and telecommunication and journalism and was also active in the drama department. Again she was awarded numerous scholarships, including a special tribute from the Albuquerque Press Club. She and Vernon divorced. After internships and part time jobs, she decided she had to have a more dependable income, and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the University of Albuquerque. It was while working at the University of New Mexico Student Health Center that she met and married her soul mate, Arthur K Swain. He became father and grandfather and she was welcomed into the Swain Family. Art supported, encouraged and mentored her as she attended the University of North Dakota Medical School. After graduating in 1993, she spent most of her career in Valencia County, except for one year as a medical officer on a remote island in the Pacific. Art��?�s sudden death in 1993 stunned everyone.
Caren continued alone, loved and supported by friends and family. We are so very grateful to the Swain Family, especially Pat and Loren Ray Miller, and to special friends, Kerry Smith, Nellie Pacheco, Bonnie Smith, Tom Bodner, Steve Thomberg, Al Haberman, Dawna Lynn Wells, Sue Sherman, Bill & Margaret Darling, and the late Jeri Smith. No mention of gratitude would be complete without mentioning the entire staff at Henrietta��?�s. They dished out hugs along with carne adovada during Caren��?�s last years. Caren's care has been entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109
505-821-0010