Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Mary Catherine Swartz Memorial
Mary Catherine Swartz Memorial

Mary Catherine Swartz

Mary Catherine Swartz

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Mary Catherine Swartz, “Nana”, age 75, a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away November 22, 2010, at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle.  She was born February 13, 1935 to Hutchinson and Josephine (Ashenbrenner) Whitehead, in Missoula, Montana.  She grew up in Sunnyside, Washington, where she met Jack Swartz who lived across the street.

Mary graduated with honors, and as Class President of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, in Yakima, Washington.  She was a Registered Nurse, working for 13 years at the King-Wallen Clinic in Burlington, and assisting several other doctors in the valley.  She had her own contracting company, Alpha Omega Constructors, which operated the coke unit at the Texaco refinery.

She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley, involved in the Ladies Guild, Rosary Guild, Events Committee and headed the Funeral Receptions Committee.  She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Laureate Alpha Nu Chapter.

Nana loved to ski; it was her passion.  She and Jack ran their boat up to Alaska for a number of years, fishing and enjoying friends and family who would fly up to join them.  She swam and walked daily and was famous for her chocolate chip cookies.  Having her family and grandchildren around her was the thing she cherished the most.  Nana would do anything for anyone at any time.  She was a woman of pure beauty and love.  She took on life with a zest for perfection.  She was constantly engaged in something and looked for every opportunity to serve others.  She was passionate about making life better for others.  She has left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Jack Swartz, of Burlington, Washington; son, Garry Swartz, of Sedro-Woolley, granddaughter, Lea of Gilbert, Arizona, great granddaughter, Kaydence, granddaughter, Carey and her husband Marshall Brown, of Lake Ki, Washington; son, Tom Swartz and his wife Liz, of Day Creek, Washington, grandson, Isaac and his fiance’ Kathleen, and their son, Landon, grandchildren, Calvin, Emily, Koenrad, Nolan, Dexter and Riley; son, Bill Swartz  and his wife Patti, of Sedro-Woolley, grandchildren, Ryan, Callie and Morgan; daughter, Catherine Harward and her husband Brett, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, grandchildren, Roslyn, Mary, Bernadette, Bridget, Josephine, Isabella and Annamarie; two brothers, a sister and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Larry Swartz in 2003 and two sisters.

A time of visitation is available on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 25, 2010, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 719 Ferry Street, Sedro-Woolley.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 26, 2010, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fathers Martin Bourke and Emilio Gonzales concelebrating.  A reception will follow at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Parish Hall.   A private interment will take place at the Green Hills Cemetery in Burlington.    Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  Share your memories of Mary on Facebook: Mary Swartz Fan Page, and also sign the on-line guest register at www.lemleychapel.com

Guestbook

  • Laila & Bob Mork

    Dear Jack & Family.
    Jack & Mary have been our neighbor for all the years we have lived here just next door some 43 years.We will miss Mary deeply we were so sorry to be gone out of state at her passing she is the one who drove us to the air porter little did we know this was to be the last time we would see one another on this earth. She was a great lady a good neighbor and friend we loved her much and it won’t be the same without her.We give thank’s for her life well lived and for knowing her.I could write a lot but will refrain it would take much too long.We will continue to pray for Jack and the whole family and we are thankful to have him next door we will be on his door step often.

    Lovingly in Christ our Savior Laila & Bob Mork

  • Phyllis and Boyd

    We have many good memories of Mary, our times in England, Big Mountain and many more, she was a wonderful person, and she will be truly missed and loved. Our prayers and thoughts are with Jack and the family.

  • Thom Reese

    A wonderful lady, friend, and the epitome of Christian values. We will miss her.

  • Gloria Rivera

    I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was an extreme example of class as well as spirituality to all of us. It was a pleasure to come to know the mother of Tom and Bill and the grandmother of the Swartz clan. She will live in our hearts and minds forever.

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • Kristy, Ray, Juston & Colin Compton

    We Love You Aunt Mary, May You Rest In Peace.

  • Julius & Maria Schulze/Mark &Tina Rexroth & Family

    Our many prayers go out to your family. We all feel blessed to have known and be cared for by our Angel, Mary. She touched all our lives in many ways. We all hope you find comfort in the many memories you have with her. With Thanksgiving here, what a blessing she gives us in remembering all the wonderful things she has blessed us with. Mary was our nurse, our Luisa’s Godmother, our friend & a person who could brighten even the darkest hours. We are eternally grateful for her presence in our lives. Mary is our gift of Thanksgiving. Much love to all of you at this sad, but blessed time. Our gifts of Thanksgiving are with you today and always. Much love to all, Sincerely, Julius & Maria Schulze and Mark & Tina Rexroth & Family

  • Cori (Simmons) Russell

    Swartz Family,
    Mary will be missed by many, she was a true inspiration. Her big smile and kind words were refreshing. She was alway eager to tell me about her trips to see Cathy’s family and took such pride in her children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Cori

  • Luisa Schulze Stewart

    Jack and family,
    My memories of Mary is that she was my nurse for many years and my Godmother. She inspired me through out my life with her smiles, wisdom & spiritual heart. She will truely be missed in my heart. My prayer to your family and you.

    Luisa Stewart