Ex-Knight reporter Mary Swartz dies

Mary Elizabeth Swartz, age 87, passed away at the Hospice Care Center on March 7th, 2010, with her daughter and son at her side. Mary died as she lived, embracing the adversities of her life with a positive attitude and a gracious smile.

Mary was born on July 25, 1922 in Newark, Ohio to parents, William Peter Hutchinson and Cecilia

Elizabeth Adam. She was raised and educated in Akron, receiving BA, BS, and MS degrees from the University of Akron. As an undergraduate, she was editor of the campus Buchtelite newspaper, and as a graduate, the editor of the Alumnus Magazine.

For several years, Mary was a reporter for Knight Newspapers; first at the Akron Beacon Journal and later at the Miami Herald while her husband was stationed at the nearby Blimp Navel Station during World War II. Later, she taught in the Akron Public Schools for 23 years before retiring in 1981.

Mary and Jack, her late husband of 57 years who died September 12, 2000, traveled extensively in the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Orient. They also enjoyed theater productions here and in Cleveland, Toronto, New York, and London. They were Coach House Theater patrons.

Mary was a very active member of the Akron Woman's City Club and the College Club of Akron, having served on the Boards of each and as editor of the College Club bulletin. She was also a member of the Sorin Society at the University of Notre Dame. She was an avid tennis and bridge player.

Preceded in death by her parents and brothers, William, of Aurora, Colorado, and James of Las Vegas, Nevada, Mary is survived by her very loving and caring daughter, Jean-Anne Belfonti; and her son, Fred Swartz, both of Akron; also four Swartz grandchildren, Mark (Lisa) of Charlotte, N.C., Amanda Utz (Charlie) of Atlanta, Ga., Gregg, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Katie of Chicago, Ill. In addition, survivors include sister, Jean Hutchinson of Jensen Beach, Fla.; brother, Joe (Marilyn) of St. George, Utah; and sister-in-law, Gerry Schlegel of Akron. There are also several cousins, nieces, and nephews scattered throughout the U.S.

Mary's kind and loving demeanor, beautiful smile, and always positive outlook on life will be sorely missed but will live in our hearts forever.

At Mary's request, there will be no calling hours. Cremation has taken place.

Mary always enjoyed her brand of homespun poetry, and this is her "goodbye":

Now I lay me down to rest;
God has put me to His test.
The gates of Heaven won't swing wide;
ecause I've had sins I couldn't hide.
Come what may I hope to meet friends,

Who have already met their own ends.
Perhaps we can share a good book,
Or have a hand of bridge; take a look.
Whatever - I've had a good run;
And looking forward to what's to come!

A memorial service to honor Mary's life will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 on March 15th, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. Also, there will be a luncheon at the Woman's City Club, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron 44302 immediately following the memorial service. All friends are encouraged to stop by for a short repast.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the compassion and loving care given by the nurses and staff of the Hospice Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to both the Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333, as well as Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Saturday, March 13, 2010, page 5, col.5]