Mary Michell Meese

The family of Mary Michell Meese Swain announce her death at Crosslands Communities on December 30, 2024. Mary was born and raised in Warren, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Goucher College in 1959, where she was class president and majored in American History.

In 1960, Mary married Arthur Windels Jr, a partner at Dewey Ballantine Busby Palmer and Woods. He managed the Brussels office for 3 years which allowed Mary to improve her French and experience Europe. Later, Mary lived in Bronxville, NY and managed volunteers at the United Hospital Fund, visiting and reporting on patient care in hospitals throughout New York City.

In 1986 Mary married David Meese, and they retired to Chester County Pennsylvania because they loved the history of the area. Mary led tours at the Winterthur estate for over 25 years, and was an active member of the Decorative Arts Trust. She walked at Longwood Gardens nearly every day and knew most members of staff. She was a member of the Christiana Hundred congregation and supported the choir, and also the church of St Andrew and St Matthew in Wilmington.

Mary moved to Crosslands, a not-for-profit life plan community, in 2018. She met fellow resident Thomas Swain and they married in 2020. COVID overshadowed the initial phase of their marriage, but Thomas and Mary deeply loved each other and made the most of their time together. As Mary's health declined, Thomas cared for her and ensured she got her regular hot dog fix at Hank's Place in Kennett Square. Thomas and Mary attended Holy Apostles Church and were members of the Quaker Meeting at Crosslands.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Dusty (Carolin) Michell, her brother William Michell, and her husbands Arthur and David. She is survived by her husband Thomas Swain, her sister Ann Michell, and her children Susanne Ames and Edward Windels.

Mary was kind, thoughtful and conscientious, taking a personal interest in everyone that she met. She is keenly missed by her family and her many friends. All are welcome at the memorial service at Crosslands,1660 Street Rd, Kennett Square, 2 pm on Friday February 28th 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Kendal-Crosslands. These will be used towards support of residents who are visually impaired.
Mary's service at Crosslands was very well attended by family and friends throughout her life. Here are links to the photo slideshow created for the service, and to the recording of the service.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vJz4tmkPTlKHjudBz3VocwEBdgOiuUhP/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lcPNeTi-j1WWnCr0MNRKGXZOgw3ZAwRY/view?usp=drive_link