Samantha Swift was the interim vice president of university advancement at Slippery Rock University and a positive presence in the Butler community. She died suddenly at age 54 on Dec. 31. Submitted Photo

Those who knew Samantha Swift say tears flow over her untimely death on New Year’s Eve at age 54, but those tears are often accompanied by a smile at the memories of good times with her.

Swift, of Butler, was the interim vice president of university advancement at Slippery Rock University at the time of her shocking passing, but her friends and colleagues will remember her fun side, too.

Ruth Purcell said Swift replaced her as director of development at SRU when Purcell accepted a position at Butler County Community College.

“She could relate to anybody,” Purcell said of Swift’s accepting nature. “She had such a kind way about her.”

She said Swift and her wife, Dana Rae Meute, always had a good time when they went out together, and Swift was known to grab the microphone and belt out a tune if they were at a tavern or restaurant where a band or disc jockey was performing.

“She was so much fun,” Purcell said. “Just a fun and genuine person.”

Purcell was stunned to hear of the passing of such a healthy, athletic person who worked out, golfed and generally took care of herself.

“I’ve heard from more SRU friends in the last few hours who are just dumbfounded,” she said. “She was never sick and never missed a day of work.”

Purcell gave advice after the loss of Swift to anyone and everyone.

“If nothing else, this teaches you how brief life can be and to just hold dear friends close,” she said.

Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy, a longtime friend of Swift’s, also enjoyed her buoyant presence wherever she went.

“She really was a delightful person,” he said. “She was somebody who, when you were with her, was very positive and very energetic.

“She wanted everyone to have a great time, but at the same time, she was very accomplished.”

Dandoy said he has one special memory of Swift that he will always remember.

“She was unapologetic and proud of the fact that she loved disco music,” he said.

Dandoy, like all who knew Swift, is devastated at her sudden loss.

“She is going to be profoundly missed, and our hearts go out to Dana,” he said. “It's an amazing loss to her friends and the community at large.”

Robert Smith, who retired in 2012 as president at Slippery Rock University, hired Swift in 2011 as development director.

“I needed somebody with strong fundraising skills,” Smith said.

His name is added to the list of those who mourn the loss of such an inspiring individual.

“She was such a positive force,” Smith said. “Optimistic, someone who showed a lot of empathy, and those are important skills if you’re in the fundraising business.”

He took the liberty of guessing what Swift’s wishes would be on the occasion of her early death.

“What Samantha would want to leave us with is that people matter, and that we ought to look after each other and appreciate the friendships that we’ve got,” Smith said.

Friends of Samantha Swift will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Martin Funeral Home in Butler. A blessing service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in the All Saints Parish.