Marcia Ann Swanson

Marcia A. Swanson, 78, of South Bend, passed away in her home on Monday, June 1, 2015. She was born January 13, 1937 in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Charles and Frances (Wood) Ludgate. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1955.

While working at Kroger’s during high school, Marcia met her future husband and love of her life, Paul Swanson, with whom she spent over 58 years as man and wife.

Marcia spent much of her life as a busy homemaker, raising six children. Over the years, she and Paul also opened their home to many foster children and pregnant young women, a testament to her generosity of spirit. Marcia was intensely creative and skilled in arts and crafts, turning everything she touched into pieces of inspiration, from the rooms in her home, to clothing for her grandchildren, to thousands of soft sculpture dolls with faces she lovingly hand-painted. She also had a soft spot for furry animals, and shared a passion with Paul for traveling the United States and later, motorcycle riding throughout the country. She spent countless hours volunteering for numerous Christian retreats and organizations, making unique contributions with her open-minded understanding and handmade donations. She was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she had a special influence on them. Her sense of thoughtfulness and style serves as her lasting gifts to them. Life just won’t be the same without “G’ma”, “Grandma Pillow” and “Marcia, Marcia”.

Marcia will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, creativity and sense of humor, as someone who was able to make the best of a situation under any circumstances.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Paul, her children, Jeanine Bizzaro, Catherine Voorde, Charlotte (Bob) Tarhaar, Patrick Swanson, Dawn Swanson and Matthew Swanson. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Erin (Matt) May, Brandon D’Haenens, Gabrielle (Benjamin) Iams, Jessica Eaton, Severn Bizzaro, Michael Felton, Kimberly Felton and Emily Voorde. She was further blessed with eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Pat (Tom) Bloom.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ed Wood, and her five infant children, Marcia, Charles, Mary, Paula and Julie.

Her family would like to thank the special people at Alzheimer’s & Dementia as well as the Center for Hospice Care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 5, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, with Rev. Kevin Russeau CSC, officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Friends may spend time with Marcia’s family Thursday, June 4, from 4 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, and also Friday from 9 - 10 am in church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her longtime volunteer home, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 520 Crescent Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, or to the charity of your choice.

An online guest book is available at www.goethalswells.com.