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Donna Swartzfager Obituary

SWARTZFAGER Donna Zarba Swartzfager passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Age 51 years. She leaves behind loving husband, Kenneth W. Swartfager and her children and pride and joy, Kelly and Kyle Swartzfager. Daughter of Rose B. Zarba and the late Charles Zarba; sister of Carol Z. McDaniel (Skip) and Ronald Zarba (Julie). As Director of the Medical Staff Office of East Jefferson General Hospital, she was loved and respected for her invaluable leadership by her team members and most importantly the members of the Medical Staff. She will be extremely missed by all. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral services/Funeral Mass at GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Greenwood Mausoleum. Visitation will begin at 10a.m. until service time. To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.greenwoodfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, donations to EJGH Foundation 4200 Houma Blvd. Metairie, LA 70006. Website: www.EJGH.org/Foundation in memory of Donna Z. Swartzfager.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Swartzfager

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Marian Lee Giangrosso

January 22, 2010

Miss Rose, Carol and Ronnie,
I will always cherish the many childhood memories that I have of Donna. We eventually lost touch because our lives led us in separate directions. Your family has had a lot to deal with this past year. Donna is now with Mr. Chuck in heaven and looking down upon us. Just rmember to let me know if you ever need anything. I will be glad to help.

Carol McDaniel

January 21, 2010

I want to thank Donna for being in my life for the last 51 years. From the time she could talk and call me towel, she was a joy in my life. I am so grateful to have had such a beautiful, loving, unselfish sister. Although I will never stop missing her, I will remember how much she meant to me and revel in what I had.
My baby sister, I will do what ever you need of me to love and support your family as long as I am here on earth. I will miss you so much.
Your loving sister.
Carol

January 15, 2010

Kenny, we are so sorry to hear of the lost of your wife, Donna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you and your family.

Steve and Carolyn Rome and Darlene Rome Boyne

January 14, 2010

Kenny ,
I am so sorry to hear about your families loss. Donna was a sweet lady. Jimmie and I will keep you and your children in our prayers.
Jimmie& Karen(Esquivel)Mattingly

January 13, 2010

Kenny, we are very sorry and deeply saddened to learn of your loss of Donna. We will keep you and family in our thoughts and prayers.
Adeline & Ed Dewailly

January 13, 2010

Ken & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley Belitz

Donna (Tusa) Creasy

January 13, 2010

Donna and I became really good friends in our 20's and she was one of the best friends I probably will ever have. She was such a good person with a big heart and I will miss her very much. Even when I moved away to NC we still kept in touch as much as possible. I am so sad and sorry for your loss and will keep Donna and your family in my prayers.

Rose Gollotte

January 13, 2010

Ronnie, Julie,Zarba family and Swartzfager family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God hold you close and give you all strength in this time of such great loss.
all our love
Rose Gollotte
Randy and Kathy Becnel

Genevieve Gravois Caswell

January 13, 2010

A friend from the past...Donna and I had a great time as friends in 6th grade. Life led us in separate directions after that year. I still have the fondest memories of the short time we hung out together. We had a blast just goofing off. When Donna touched someone's life, it stayed with you.

January 13, 2010

Kenny, Kelly and Kyle,
We are so sorry for your loss, we can't begin to find the right words to say. Donna was such and wonderful person and through the years we have always enjoyed the time we've spent with all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love you,
Scott, Kacy, Brett, Ryan and Hunter Wainwright

January 13, 2010

Donna was a lovely person whose contributions to East Jefferson General Hospital and its medical staff will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Robert L'Hoste M.D.

Warren and Becky Gottsegen

January 13, 2010

Donna touched the lives of so many in an integral and important way. Our sincerest sympathy and condolences.

January 13, 2010

Carol, Please know that we are deeply sorry for the sudden loss of your beautiful sister. May the wonderful memories sustain you in this time of sorrow. The Thomas P LeTard Family

Kacie and Denny Hooten

January 12, 2010

Kelly,
I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Best to you during this difficult time. I am always here for you if you need anything.

Love you,

January 12, 2010

Please accept my deepest,heartfelt sympathy. Donna was always a very sweet, kind, and cheerful person. She always had a beautiful smile whenever she saw me. I,too, will certainly miss her. Nathan H. Fischman,M.D.

Fran Trapani

January 12, 2010

So many times in the past umpteen years, Donna and I either directly or indirectly worked with each other. From our days at EJGH when she was Donna Zarba, to her getting married and becoming Swartzfager, and eventually us both working at Doctors Hospital, we shared our lives, and always had fun. Even when we did not speak for a while, when one of us would call the other at work, we were able to pick up an ongoing conversation as if we never lost touch. Donna was just that person, no matter what was going on, she always had time to catch up with a long time friend. Her intense love for her family was always evident to everyone she ever met. I can close my eyes and see her smile and hear her great laugh. Kelly and Kyle, please know that your Mother will always be with you. You will feel her love every day, especially when times are tough. Kenny, you were blessed to have such a deep love shared with a wonderful woman. To me, you two were the proof that dreams do come true. I shall miss my long time friend, but I have so many memories of the laughter and love that we shared as friends.

January 12, 2010

Kenny & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, and will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Donna at East Jefferson in the '80s, then at Kenner Regional, and then back at East Jefferson. I always enjoyed time spent with her, hearing her infectious laugh, and sharing news of our families. I will certainly miss her.
Lin Brown, Prairieville, LA

Fran Trapani

January 12, 2010

So many times in the past umpteen years, Donna and I either directly or indirectly worked with each other. From our days at EJGH when she was Donna Zarba, to her getting married and becoming Swartzfager, and eventually us both working at Doctors Hospital, we shared our lives, and always had fun. Even when we did not speak for a while, when one of us would call the other at work, we were able to pick up an ongoing conversation as if we never lost touch. Donna was just that person, no matter what was going on, she always had time to catch up with a long time friend. Her intense love for her family was always evident to everyone she ever met. I can close my eyes and see her smile and hear her great laugh. Kelly and Kyle, please know that your Mother will always be with you. You will feel her love every day, especially when times are tough. Kenny, you were blessed to have such a deep love shared with a wonderful woman. To me, you two were the proof that dreams do come true. I shall miss my long time friend, but I have so many memories of the laughter and love that we shared as friends.

Karen J. Keefe

January 12, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Jolie Estopinal Harris

January 12, 2010

Kenny--

I was so sorry to hear this news. It was great spending time with Donna at our recent get together and recalling old times. It was great sharing old memories from growing up and SMM days. Donna had a way of making people feel so at ease. She was great to talk to and share a laugh with! I loved being around her. I feel blessed to have been her friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jolie Estopinal Harris

January 12, 2010

Kenny-- I am so sorry to hear of this news. I was so happy to spend time with Donna at our recent get together. The good old days came rolling back with so many great memories. I loved being around Donna she was so genuine and it seemed we were back 30+ years ago in no time- she had the way of making people feel so comfortable. I loved her smile and am blessed to have been her friend.

Kay Pastor

January 12, 2010

I knew Donna for many years through our work together at East Jefferson. She was a lovely person and had a smile for everyone. She will be missed. My prayers are with the family she treasured.

Tommy Keller

January 12, 2010

Kenny, Kelly, Kyle, Ronny and the entire Swartzfager and Zarba families,

I have just received the news of Donna's passing. I am sitting in my hotel room and to say the least I am saddened and shocked. What I am going to write is already known by everyone that knew Donna, but I would like to write it anyway. Kenny, every time I saw Donna ( which was never often enough), she always brightened my day. She loved you and seemed very happy with her life with you. Kelly and Kyle, whenever I ran into your mother, she would get me up to date on you two. She was very proud of you and loved you dearly. Ronny, what can I say, she was a great sister. I will not be able to attend the funeral tomorrow, but please know that I will be praying for you and will miss you. I will cherish the memories of Donna all the way back to kindergarden and as recent as our 8th grade get together at Lake Ramsey. Donna was one terrific lady and will be sorely missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known her. May you all have peace at this most trying time by knowing she is with her eternal and paternal father in Heaven. I will miss her dearly.

With my most sincere condolences,

Tommy Keller

January 12, 2010

My condolences to the husband, Kenny, and family of Donna Zarba Swartzfager. I remember all my St. Mary Magdalen friends. You are in my prayers, Lana Werner Konrad

January 12, 2010

Very sorry to hear about Donna. Ken, you and your family are in my prayers. Mike Williams.

ASHTON MUNSON

January 12, 2010

KEN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND FAMILY

Karen Guerra

January 12, 2010

My heart goes out to Donna's family and friends. Sending you love from Texas. Karen Patterson Guerra

The Smiths

January 12, 2010

We were saddened to hear of your loss. Donna was such a sweet neighbor, always smiling. You and your family are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Daniel, Tammy & DJ

Debbie Oakes & Ted Carter

January 12, 2010

To Ken, Kelly, Kyle, and the extended loving Swartzfager & Zarba Family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Donna was a very special person and I hope you can cherish the memories I know you have of your lives with her. Ted and I are just a phone call away.

Johnny Muniz

January 12, 2010

Ken, Kelly, & Kyle,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Donna was quite a lady. She was always a source of great joy and pride for the entire family. Each of my memories of Donna are delightful. Your loss is shared by us all.

Leo Henderson

January 12, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time. May God bless you and keep you and give you all peace in your hearts. Leo, Jeannette & Josh Henderson

January 12, 2010

The physicians and staff of the Jefferson Parish Medical Society offer our condolences. Working with Donna was always a pleasure and she will be greatly missed.

Cindy Zeller-Sutton

January 12, 2010

Kenny,

I'm so sorry for your loss. May memories be a source of comfort and strength for you and your children at this time. You are in my prayers.

Lynette Tomeny

January 12, 2010

To the Swatrzfager's and the Zarba famalies,
So very sorry to hear of your loss, Donna was such a sweet girl and will be missed by all. May your happy memories of her live on in your hearts, and knowing that you all have a special angel in Heaven now, help to ease your pain, even if just slightly. You are all in our prayers.
Lynette Tomeny Farrell & family

Mel & Cindy Hurtel

January 12, 2010

Ken & Gail...

I am so sorry for your loss of Donna. I remember when we used to go to parades and her precious children. Please accept my sympathy and I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Cindy & Mel Hurtel

Beverly Arnold-Barrios

January 12, 2010

Dear Swartzfager Family; I knew Donna through our National organization ans spent time with her during many of our conferences. She was always a "lady" and very professional. She will be sadly missed. My prayers are with you. Beverly Arnold-Barrios

Brenda Borland

January 12, 2010

Those who knew and worked with Donna will certainly miss her. We are all sorry to hear of her loss. Our sympathy to her friends and family.

Deborah Dubuisson

January 12, 2010

Carol my prayers are with you and your family.

January 12, 2010

DEAR KEN AND FAMILY,
I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF DONNA'S DEATH. SHE WAS A GREAT ASSET FOR ME WHEN I WAS CHIEF OF STAFF AT KRMC. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO HAVE HER AS A PATIENT AS WELL.
MAY SHE BE AT PEACE WITH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES. DONNA AND HER FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW AND WORKED WITH HER.
DR. JOE LA NASA, JR
MONROE, LA

John Brown

January 12, 2010

Donna always had a bright smile on her face and would lighten the day of anyone she encountered. We will miss her terribly.

Rhonda Garaudy-Guth

January 12, 2010

Dear Swartzfager Family:

My prayers go out to each of you at this time. I will miss seeing her lovely smiling face in the hallways at East Jefferson. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow

Becky Hoffman-Stritzinger

January 12, 2010

I have work with Donna over the last year. She is a wonderful and sweet person and she will be missed. My prayers go out to her family.

January 12, 2010

Donna was a friend and collegue and she will be sadly missed by all of us. I had the great pleasure to spend time with her in New York at our professional conference and got to know Kelly while I was there. My heart breaks for all of you.

Mary Baudry

January 12, 2010

My prayers are with you and your family. I went to High School with Donna, this sadden me to hear of Donna's passing.

January 12, 2010

I will miss her very much, she was such a lovely Lady.

Isabel Dolese(Ejgh Cath Lab)

January 12, 2010

Donna was a wonderful person and much respected by her peers. We will miss her very much.
Rose Delaney, Louisiana Society of Medical Staff Services

Patti and Gerry Satterlee

January 12, 2010

Donna's sister,Carol and I have been life-long friends. Whenever we met over the years Donna always had a beautiful smile, kind words, and good conversation. She will be missed by many. Donna's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

January 12, 2010

Kenny - I was very sorry to hear of your loss of Donna. I wish I could be there at this difficult time. May God bless you with strength and courage to see you through this part of your life.

Donna Faucheux / Kansas City

Monica Dalide

January 12, 2010

Ken, Gail, Cindy and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Alison and Bill Henry

January 12, 2010

I am a friend of Carol's and heard this terrible news. Please accept our condolences. Carol has lost a wonderful sister. With much love, The Henrys

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