Mary Swae Obituary

My husband and I were so sadden to hear about Mary Ellen passing. We went to St. Roman's grammer school with her.
The one thing I remember best about here was she was one of the nice popular kids and everyone liked her. I came to that school in 7th grade and she was one of the first to welcome me in. There wasn't a boy in school that didn't have a crush on her at one time or another. We will always remember her and your family in our prayers always. Our condolences to your entire family.

Wally and Alla Nalepa

I am just learning of the passign of Mary Ellen today, January 10, 2010. I am so saddened by her passing. We grew up together in the "old neighborhood" and everyone always talked about Mary Ellen living in the big pretty on the boulevard. My condolences out to her entire family.
Marilyn Domagala Strojny

Dearest Becky and Jon, Sebastian, Alexa, Caitlin, Oliver and Don:

I found my heart, Mary Ellen, in Kenya, Africa the summer of 2001. That's where she and I first met as roommates on Global Alliance for Africa's immersion trip coordinated by Old St. Pat's.

I've watched her grow… from keeping things to herself to wildly denying what was going on with her health to living with it without complaining and, yet, still living life more fully than many people.

Hardest of all for me will be waking up… A couple of times a week as she was driving to work about 7:50 am she'd call. There was always a crisis she had to relate, but that didn't prevent her from listening when needed. Sometimes when she called I was just waking up, other times I would miss her call because I was meditating… so now I will continue meditating sharing her love as I start my day.

I could count on her being ready to see a movie, a play, go to a new restaurant. She always knew what she wanted to do. Since I like to experience new things it was great. And, when there was a new adventure, a new group to join… she was ready to do it! It was like she was investing her whole spirit in play! Her friends and I joke in amazement calling her the Energizer Bunny!

I loved to watch her with children… she was so tuned in to them. Each of her children and grandchildren, Jon, Becky, Sebastian, Alexa, Caitlin and Oliver, were the joy of her life. She loved to tell of their adventures together. We shared a grandmothers' day last August when my eldest granddaughter, Anna, came from California to join the girls, Alexa and Caitlin, for a day of museums and art making climaxed with a dinner made by the girls.

I tend to be reserved and I learned how to be fully present to life watching her live life her way…. fully, in each and every moment! And now, especially, I feel her energy with me. Strange, she's gone and yet she's even more present.

We were like sisters in our closeness and differences… I learned from her and she from me. She was a lesson in how we need one another. She needed bits of everyone and everyone needed bits of her. How it all keeps shifting, how our lives are so connected in little and big ways.


She was always grateful for her life and told me and all of her friends "love ya" as we parted.
I am grateful for her being in my life…




…I don't know what I'll say when someone asks about where my friend went…I was and still am proud to tell our story and I guess I'll say it was well-lived and is in heaven with a saintly lady!

May God bless you always and especially now.

I love you!

Mary Ellen was a warm, kind and courageous woman whom I met many years ago. She touched my life and I am deeply saddened to hear of her death. My prayers and sympathy go out to her children and grandchildren who were very important in her life. She will be missed by everyone who's life she touched. God Bless you all in the coming days ahead.

Mary Ellen taught me more than anyone I have ever worked with. She was a fantastic clinician and an even better teacher. She will be missed by everyone whose life she has touched.

Ten years ago, as we moved into to our new home in Riverside, there was a knock at the door, as the moving van drove away. It was our new next door neighbor, Mary Ellen, with a loaf of freshly baked, home made bread.

What a wonderful welcome, what a wonderful neighbor, what a wonderful person!

We send our sincere condolences and comfort to her family.

I met Mary Ellen in 2001 when we traveled to Africa with Global Alliance for Africa; we have remained friends since. I admired her courage and grace during difficult times. I will greatly miss her. I know how important her family was to her and I am so sorry for your loss. I know she will still be watching over you. Phyllis Shadwick, Chicago

Mary Ellen,

You brought spirit to the world and fought the courageous fight till the end. I will miss you.

Becky and Jon--
I was so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Megan Buckley