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Marcia Swanson Obituary

Marcia Swanson Jan. 13, 1937 - June 1, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Marcia A. Swanson, 78, of South Bend, passed away in her home on Monday, June 1, 2015. She was born January 13, 1937 in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Charles and Frances (Wood) Ludgate. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1955. While working at Kroger's during high school, Marcia met her future husband and love of her life, Paul Swanson, with whom she spent over 58 years as man and wife. Marcia spent much of her life as a busy homemaker, raising six children. Over the years, she and Paul also opened their home to many foster children and pregnant young women, a testament to her generosity of spirit. Marcia was intensely creative and skilled in arts and crafts, turning everything she touched into pieces of inspiration, from the rooms in her home, to clothing for her grandchildren, to thousands of soft sculpture dolls with faces she lovingly hand-painted. She also had a soft spot for furry animals, and shared a passion with Paul for traveling the United States and later, motorcycle riding throughout the country. She spent countless hours volunteering for numerous Christian retreats and organizations, making unique contributions with her open-minded understanding and handmade donations. She was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she had a special influence on them. Her sense of thoughtfulness and style serves as her lasting gifts to them. Life just won't be the same without "G'ma", "Grandma Pillow" and "Marcia, Marcia". Marcia will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, creativity and sense of humor, as someone who was able to make the best of a situation under any circumstances. Marcia is survived by her husband, Paul, and her children, Jeanine Bizzaro, Catherine Voorde, Charlotte (Bob) Tarhaar, Patrick Swanson, Dawn Swanson and Matthew Swanson. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Erin (Matt) May, Brandon D'Haenens, Gabrielle (Benjamin) Iams, Jessica Eaton, Severn Bizzaro, Michael Felton, Kimberly Felton and Emily Voorde. She was further blessed with eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Pat (Tom) Bloom. Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ed Wood, and her five infant children, Marcia, Charles, Mary, Paula and Julie. Her family would like to thank the special people at Alzheimer's & Dementia as well as the Center for Hospice Care. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, with Rev. Kevin Russeau CSC, officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Friends may spend time with Marcia's family Thursday from 4 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, and also Friday from 9 10 am in church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her longtime volunteer home, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 520 Crescent Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, or to the charity of your choice. An online guest book is available at www.goethalswells.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 3, 2015.
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I'm sorry that I can't be there with today. The world has lost a very special person and she will be missed, but will remain forever in our hearts.
Thinking of all of you.
With love, Jeanine

June 6, 2015

I want to express my sorrow on learning of the passing of Marcia. I have only met Marcia, Paul and Patrick, but my wishes for healing go out to all of the family. I met Marcia a number of years ago, and knew liked her immediately. She was such a kind, creative, humorous person, it was easy to recognize her as someone special. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I also include a special prayer for Patrick.

Roberta Janowiak

June 5, 2015

I was fortunate enough to have known Marcia through her granddaughter, and my best friend, Emily Voorde. Em and I attended school together from 2nd grade at St. Anthony to graduating in the same class at Marian. There was never a sporting event, graduation, or birthday that the Swanson grandparents missed. Marcia was such a loving woman who always seemed to make the whole room feel at ease. My sincere condolences go out to the Swanson family. Your family is in my prayers.

Cassie Webb

June 5, 2015

Cathy, Jess, and Emily-we are so sorry to hear about this great loss. She was a lovely lady.

Felicia Stone

June 4, 2015

Our condolences go out to the whole family. We have such fond memories of Marcia. She was such a warm and loving person, always welcoming people into her life. She will be missed but will live on within all those who's lives she touched.

The David Bizzaro Family

David & Paqui Bizzaro

June 4, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss heaven has a new angel love Michael Boyer

June 4, 2015

Dear Patrick & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I never met your Mom, I can tell by the loving way you spoke of her that she was an amazing woman. May God bless you with peace in this difficult time.

Ellen Bystrom

June 3, 2015

Dearest Swanson Family, I'm sorry for your loss, she was a sweet and wonderful woman and we'll all miss her. May God bless you in your time of sorrow and may you find comfort in you sweet memories of her. With deepest sympathy, Brenda and Harry

Brenda Dohman

June 3, 2015

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Funeral services provided by:

Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care - Mishawaka

503 West 3rd Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544

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