Swain Kerri Lyn Swain, our "Gumby", received her angel wings on Tuesday, January 12. Her spirit left this earth peacefully and is now in heaven with her beloved Granddad Jim Swain, her Aunt Kathy Billick, and her faithful furry companions Max, Erma, and Clark. Kerri was born on July 21, 1982 in Columbus, OH. An inquisitive, happy child, Kerri was always smiling and singing. She was a 2001 graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School. She also attended Ohio University, Athens and was a proud cadet in the Army ROTC, Bobcat Battalion before her illness. Kerri was also a member of Church of the Resurrection, New Albany. Kerri is survived by her parents, Stephen and Karen Swain; sister, Amber (Seba) Bernaert; grandparents, Granny Virginia Swain, PopPop John and MomMom Shirley Billick; uncles and aunts, Russ (Theta) Swain, David (Ginny) Swain, Godmother Joni Hutchison, Godfather John (Kristen) Billick and Shawn Billick; eleven loving cousins; and her dogs Leo, Casey, and Bubby. Kerri also is survived by her extraordinary caregivers Robin McAllister, LPN and Karen Elliott, LPN who were her guardian angels here on earth. Kerri's family would like to acknowledge, with gratitude, the following individuals : Dr. James B. Soldano and his entire staff at American Health Network, Dr. Martin Taylor at OrthoNeuro, Dr. Matthew Schneider, Dr. Carl Fleser, Dr. James Moses, David Shroyer, Daniel Abraham, Mark McLeod, Father Jerry Rodenfels and Suanne Gettings. We are extremely grateful to the Genoa Township Fire Dept., the ER doctors and staff and the entire ICU Dept. at Mount Carmel St Ann's Hospital for their dedication, compassion, and professionalism in the care of our Kerri during her final week on this earth. "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." ~Edith Wharton. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Kerri Swain

9 Entries

Carrie Verba

December 17, 2016

I lived in Bryan Hall with Kerri freshman year at OU. We were Kerri #1 and Carrie #2. I sure do think about her often. She was the sweetest girl and I am a better person having known her. My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends now and always.

Jim & Maryann Malinowski

January 16, 2016

Our daughter was a classmate and just recalling grade school cookie deliveries with Kerri and the other troop members brought a smile. Kerri and her family taught us all special life lessons. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. God bless and be with your family.

The Compassionate Friends

January 16, 2016

Dear Swain Family:
We, the families of The Compassionate Friends, send you our heartfelt condolences.
The Compassionate Friends is an international grief support group for parents,grandparents and siblings who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a
child. Our only mission is to provide comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and to help others better assist the grieving family. We meet monthly in Columbus from 7-9 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229.
If and when you are ready to do so, please join us. We Need Not Walk Alone. We are
The Compassionate Friends.
~
The Compassionate Friends
Columbus, Ohio Chapter
(614)882-8986
www.tcfcolumbus.org
www.compassionatefriends.org

Kathy Sibley

January 16, 2016

A darling, wonderful little girl in my third grade class. I see that sweet face easily in my mind's eye. God bless Kerri and her wonderful family.

Dawn Miller

January 16, 2016

So sorry for your loss Dawn Miller(Robin McAllisters Sister)

Dan Abraham

January 15, 2016

What a truly extrodinary family. I know how special she was and how dearly your faimly loved and cared for Kerri. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Marilee Simon

January 15, 2016

The Simon family will be praying for you all, as well as your sweet angel in heaven. Wishing you peace.

Carol Koegler

January 14, 2016

I used to work for Kerri's mother, and I remember how very proud Karen was to have Kerri visit our office one day. Kerri was home on a holiday break from college and we all commented on how much the daughter and mother looked alike. So beautiful, so full of life, and so full of promise. A week or so later, Kerri became sick and everything changed for the Swain family. Everything except their love for Kerri. Everyone who knows the Swains has been affected by their courage and by the way they handled Kerri's limitations. We are moved to handle our difficult times with more hope and courage by their example. While here on earth, Kerri made the world a brighter place, and now heaven shines brighter. Sending all our love, Carol and Ed

January 14, 2016

We were near neighbors honored to observe Kerri evolve into natural beauty bestowed with a quite confidence and optimism toward life. She showed a tender caring toward family and furry beings alike while exhibiting such discipline as to result in exceptional achievement in chosen endeavors, particularly scholarly pursuits and ROTC.
We will miss this rare amalgam of power and poise packaged perfectly in
a sinewy grace topped with ginger hair. Ideal for her role as angel now.

Denice and Jim

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