“She never sought limelight or reward, but she touched the hearts and minds of many.”

This was the touching tribute from Sir John Swan yesterday as he paid tribute to his beloved wife, Jacqueline, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 72 after a 15-month battle with lung cancer. The former Premier told The Royal Gazette that he, together with the couple’s three children, Alison, Amanda and Nicholas, were at Lady Swan’s bedside at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore when she “took her last breath”.

“When we first met in Hamilton in 1961 I was struck by what a dignified, reserved and pleasant person she was,” Sir John said. “She went on to touch the hearts and minds of so many people both locally and internationally.

“In the process she has left a good mark on this people and this community that embraced the values and standards she lived by.

“Her legacy is me. She did not suffer fools and she had a quiet word or look that was either approving or disapproving. But I would not be the person I am, or have become, without her being there to be a signpost and a conscience for my endeavours in all aspects since I met her.”

Lady Swan was born in Bermuda in 1943 to William and Delores Roberts. One of six siblings, she grew up in Somerset Bridge.

After finishing her teaching qualifications in England, Lady Swan and Sir John married at St James’ Church in Somerset on August 26, 1965.

She went on to work at Heron Bay Primary School for seven years before she left the profession and devoted herself to her family and a raft of community programmes.

“She became a big volunteer for service in the community, that is her hallmark,” Sir John said. “She helped many endeavours in the community and maintained that pleasant dignity that defined her throughout her life. That work also helped define Bermuda as the country it is today.

“She never projected herself into the public, but behind the scenes she made sure she did everything to ensure things were right, respectful and dignified.

“She never sought limelight, reward or award. But she felt she had the opportunity to have exposure and experience as a result of the work I did in the community and overseas.

“When I became Premier, everything I did on a social basis, she was the one behind the scenes organising it all. I never wanted for anything, all I did was show up. It made it very easy for me, I was never second guessing. She knew everything about what I was going through, but no one can ever say she spoke everything.”

Lady Swan had cancer diagnosed in September 2014 and continued to fight the disease until she was forced to return to hospital in the US at the end of last month. Sir John added: “We were fortunate that we were able to have that time after the diagnosis together.

“We enjoyed vacations overseas and spent time with our family and friends in Bermuda. She was also able to spend time with her three grandchildren whom she loved dearly.”

Michael Dunkley described Lady Swan as “one of our island’s most respected and influential women, representing Bermuda with poise, grace and pride”. “While she welcomed royalty, prime ministers and presidents, perhaps Lady Swan’s greatest legacy will be her compassionate and noble service to those important charitable causes that sought to uplift the lives of our community’s most vulnerable,” the Premier said.

“She was considered one of our island’s fiercest philanthropic advocates, and her dedication and commitment enriched the lives of so many. Lady Swan was a woman of quiet strength and dignity, and she has left a lasting impression on our country and our people.”

The Governor, George Fergusson, added: “Margaret and I were very sad to learn of the death of Lady Swan.

“She was impressive by any standards — compassionate, highly intelligent, fun and courageous. She was a pillar of the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association, with many in the community owing much to her wise advice in the LCCA’s work.

“She faced her illness bravely and calmly. We send our condolences to Sir John and her wider family.”