Owner and breeder Rosalie Avery Swann passed away Monday. She was preceded in death by her husband John Swann, Jr., with whom she founded Cygnet Farm in 1979. The couple bred French group-placed Seaton Delaval (Seattle Dancer).
Following her husband's death in 1993, Swann continued to breed and race horses with her children. She raced 2022 Tremont S. winner Two of a Kind (Overanalyze) in partnership and co-bred multiple stakes winner Offering Plan (Spring At Last) with her son, Christopher.
Swann was the first principal of the Bluegrass School, a pioneering special education institution. After retiring as a principal, she was a partner in Amato's Restaurant and renovated and owned West Jefferson Place in Lexington.
She owned and operated the Swann's Nest at Cygnet Farm, a popular bed and breakfast near Keeneland, for 20 years.
Swann is survived by her sons John Swann, III (Kelly) and Christopher (Anne Marie), and daughter Julilynn Swann Beeghly (Andrew), as well as seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
There will be a private graveside funeral at Lexington Cemetery, where she will be interred next to her husband, Thursday at 1 p.m.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Thoroughbred Club of America where she hoped all of those who knew her would come and share stories and memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Old Friends Equine Retirement (www.oldfriendsequine.org).
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