MARILYN (HORTON) SWARTZ

Jan. 22, 1937 - May 3, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Marilyn Katherine (Kubsch) Swartz, 72, passed away at 1:23 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2009, in South Bend, IN, with her family by her side. Marilyn was born on January 22, 1937, to the late Nadine Kubsch Horton in South Bend, IN, and had resided in South Bend her entire life.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nadine, as well as by her brother, Fredrick Charles Kubsch. Marilyn also had a very special friend, Maxine Miltenberger, who preceded her in death.

Marilyn graduated from Washington-Clay High School in 1955. Two years later, on May 18, 1957, Marilyn married her soul mate, Robert Leroy Swartz Sr., who survives. "Bob is the best thing that could happen to me. He is my soul mate and I will always love him," Marilyn once wrote. Robert had a special nickname for Marilyn, "Babe."

Marilyn and Robert built their home in 1964, down the street from Notre Dame. This is where they raised their four surviving children, Robert (Sandra) Swartz of Osceola, IN, Joni (Marvin) Buwa of Niles, MI, Julie (Nector) Echevarria of South Bend, IN, and Charles (Tracy) Swartz of Mishawaka, IN. Marilyn was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Nicholas, Robert and Nicole Swartz, Christopher and Donald Swartz, Amanda Batiz, Elisa and Elena Echevarria, and C.J., Shelby, Emily and Maggie Swartz. She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Nicole and Brittany Hedman, and one great-grandchild, Adrian Mabry, who is due in July.

Family was the most important thing to Marilyn. She loved to be surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. Their love and support gave her strength as she fought her illness. Marilyn especially loved babysitting and spending time with her four youngest grandchildren, C.J., Shelby, Emily and Maggie. They gave her a new sense of life and a reason to battle, along with countless hours of laughs, love and company. "God sure has blessed me with this family and grandchildren," Marilyn said. Besides family, Marilyn's other interests include doing crossword puzzles, having complete control of the television, electronic video games, playing BINGO, and bowling. Her witty sense of humor will truly be missed by everyone.

Visitation will be today, May 6, 2009, in the McGann Hay, University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road, where friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 Ironwood Road, on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 10 a.m. Following the Mass, Marilyn will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. "I want all my kids to know that I love them very much. They have always been my pride and joy." - Marilyn Swartz.

Published by South Bend Tribune on May 6, 2009.

11/08/2022 EJS