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Facts and Events
References
- ↑ Obituary - MOLINE ADVOCATE, Jan. 12, 1984
GRACE COPPAGE DERBY
Grace Coppage Derby, 91, died Friday, December 30, 1983, at Nevada, Missouri. She was born January 29, 1892 in Half Rock, Mercer County, Missouri, to John Foster and Maybelle (Reid) Lynam, one of nine children. At an early age she came to Moline with her family where she attended school. She married Benjamin Swischer in 1911. To this union was born one one, Harold. Benjamin preceded her in death. After working briefly for Dr. Shaffer at Moline, she attended nurse's training at Wichita. After a short time she started working for the Fred Harvey House in Chanute, Kansas, after having traveled for that firm as its only woman auditor.
From 1927 to 1954, she was in charge of sales and promotion for Barbara Gould of Burjois, Inc., New York City. From 1955 to 1976, Grace was owner of Coppage Associates and Manufacturer's representative, traveling throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. After retiring she came back to Moline where she lived for several years before moving to Nevada where she could be near her family. While here in Moline, she was very active in community and church. She served on various community committees and was very active in the United Methodist Women, serving for several years as Circle Chairperson. She was a member of the Musical and Literary Club. Grace loved her home here in Moline and was said to have loved, cared for and fed more birds than anyone else in Moline. She loved her flowers and her vegetable garden. She loved to make jams and jellies and shared them freely with her many friends, just as she shared all of herself with this community and her family.
Grace was a member of the Church of the Healing Christ, New York City, the Fashion Group, and Business and Professional Women. She leaves her son, Harold L. Swischer of Nevada, Missouri; two sisters, Rena Robinson, Wichita, and Edith Durban of Moline; a brother Ralph Lynam of Moline; three grandsons, and three great grandchildren. A memorial service was held Saturday, January 7, 1984 at 11:00 a.m. in the Watt Funeral Home Chapel, Moline. Rev. Delbert Chance officiated.
The family suggests contributions to the United Methodist Church in Moline.
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