VINALHAVEN — Meredith Elaine Hildings Swears, 44, died peacefully at home after fighting a courageous battle against breast cancer.

Meredith was born on Vinalhaven on July 5,1979 to John and Jill Hildings.

Meredith attended school on Vinalhaven and was a 1997 graduate of Vinalhaven High School. She went on to attend University of Maine at Farmington where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary education with a concentration in math in 2001.

Meredith married Robert Swears in May of 2002. They had two children Robert Richard II and Charles Henry. They later divorced.

Meredith’s pride and joy were her boys, Robbie and Charlie. The sun rose and set on them. She considered them her greatest accomplishment. Her smile could light up a darkened room when watching her boys. They made
her a proud mom.

Meredith had a love for cheerleading that she never out grew. She had a special cheerleading bond with her niece Lydia.

Meredith was the ultimate sports mom. She loved watching Robbie, Charlie and Cheyenne on the basketball court and the baseball, softball fields. She also loved being able to watch Lydia’s cheer competition online. During the sports season she was know for her snack bags. She would bake batches of cookies before every game she went to. She always had plenty of fruit and other snacks, no kid or adult went hungry when she was around. She was always prepared for anything with sunblock, bug spray, Advil or even an ice pack. She always had whatever was needed. She would even buy you sneakers to play ball in if you forgot to pack yours. She especially loved basketball season and always looked forward to trips to the civic center for tournament games. She would work endlessly on banners, signs and breakaway hoops. She would decorate the ferry for tournament games. Every player and coach would have a personalized basketball sign that she would make by hand.

Christmas being her favorite holiday she would decorate her house from top to bottom. Her tree was always perfectly decorated. She could and would tell you the story of each ornament on her tree.

Meredith had a love for cooking and baking that she inherited from her grandmothers. She was known for her Christmas plate of goodies. She would make cookies, bars, and candies for days. Everyone who knew of them “hoped to make the cut’ and receive one. Meredith also looked forward to her annual Christmas shopping trip with her cousin Angie.

During her life she worked at the Vinalhaven School through child development services. She also worked at the family business: fisherman’s Friend. She was known for her smile, her sandwiches, Congo bars, and her kindness.

Meredith has currently been with her fiancé, Sam Bickford. They have spent the last 11 years making a home together. Their relationship was one of absolute true love. They blended their families and became one. Sam has a daughter, Cheyenne, that Meredith considered her bonus daughter.

Meredith credits Sam with giving her the best life possible. She never wanted for anything. During the last four years of her life, she has battled breast cancer. Sam has been by her side every step of the way. He has gone above and beyond in her care. He kept her safe, he kept her comfortable, but mostly he kept her and her boys loved.

Meredith will be remembered for her bright smile, sassy wit, being forever the cheerleader but mostly for being the most loving mother, daughter, fiancé, and friend.

Meredith was predeceased by her grandparents, Kenneth and Madelyn Hildings and Joy and Eugene Sheridan.

Meredith leaves behind her parents, John and Jill Hildings of Vinalhaven; sons Robbie and Charlie; fiancé, Sam Bickford and “step” daughter Cheyenne; her brother, Nicholas Hildings and his wife Nicole and their children Lydia and Andrew – who she referred to as Aunties Kids. She is also survived by many, aunts, uncles and cousins; each and every one of them were special to her.

Services will be held on May 19, at 11 a.m., at Cummings Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at the fire station.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with Meredith’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.