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| THE COLONY NEWS | JULY 2022 | 39 We moved into the Colony 20+ years ago and quickly became aware of Carol's involvement in many community committees and activities. She was also Moderator of the independent ColonyeMailers, currently called CeM, of which we were members. In late 2014 the gentleman who maintained the CeM Referral List retired and the list became dormant at that point. In early 2015, I contacted Carol and asked for a digital copy of the last published referral list so I could update it for my own use, which she graciously provided. After going back through the CeM database and updating the list and converting it into an Excel spreadsheet, I sent a copy to Carol and asked if she wanted to distribute it to the CeM group. She not only wanted to distribute the list, but she also wanted me to take over the maintenance of the list, which I did. We worked together over the next seven years through the transition from a Yahoo Group to Groups.io Group. I will be forever grateful for her patience and guidance and calming influence, which I truly miss, while I learned the inner workings of CeM. ~ Dale Drexler, Referral List Moderator Carol Swanke the Margaret Thatcher of the community. Strong, resilient, driven, involved, thoughtful, concerned, unselfish, compassionate, and so much more. Others were more important than herself. Always available to helping others by providing a listening ear and wise counsel. She loved her community, her husband Don, her family, and of course their beloved dog, Buddy. Much can be written and said about Carol, but I remember her often saying when critical elections and other votes were about to be taken, 'The Colony always has a way of doing the right thing.' How appropriate and insightful, as she constantly saw the best in her fellow residents. The Colony has lost a 'community treasure.' I (we) have lost a friend, and all of us are better off and blessed for having had her touch and impact our lives for these many years. ~ Walter Bowman When remembering the women who have volunteered and served The Colony throughout the years, Carol Swanke immediately comes to mind. Over 20 years managing and editing the Newsletter, chairing Rules and Regs, and of course, keeping us informed via The Colony Emailers. Her contributions are immeasurable. But most of all, I remember her wisdom and always the twinkle in her eye. She is missed. ~ Joanne Deacon Rberg Car Swke