MARY T. SWERZENSKI

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE IN MARY'S NAME TO: MILTON FIRST AID SQUAD 45 MILTON ROAD OAK RIDGE, NJ 07438 www.miltonfirstaidsquad.org OR TO: A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE VISITATION: FRIDAY: JUNE 7, 2024 3PM TO 7PM STICKLE-SOLTESZ FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL MASS: SATURDAY: JUNE 8, 2024 10AM ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE RC CHURCH 5635 BERKSHIRE VALLEY ROAD OAK RIDGE, NJ 07438 INTERMENT: SATURDAY: JUNE 8, 2024 FOLLOWING FUNERAL MASS ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CEMETERY ADJACENT TO THE CHURCH After a remarkable 102 years as a cherished daughter, wife, mother, godmother, and grandmother, Mary Swerzenski passed away peacefully on June 1st. Mary was born on July 29th, 1921, to parents Katarzyna and Stanislaw Zabawa in New York City. She was the middle child between older brother Louie and younger sister Gertrude, sharing a particularly special bond with her mother and sister throughout their lives. After graduating the 8th grade, Mary would go on to attend beauty school and work at a beauty shop throughout her young adult years until marrying her husband Joe Swerzenski on September 3, 1944. That day began a 49-year journey that took the couple from Brooklyn to Lake Swannanoa, all while beginning their greatest adventure yet: raising their three sons. Lovingly known in the family as “Mother Superior,” Mary may have been quickly outnumbered by men in her family, but anyone wise enough knew that she was the true force to be reckoned with in the Swerzenski household. Even when her “boys” were fully grown, Mary remained the no-nonsense voice of reason in the family in just about every day-to-day matter. But this tough exterior was fueled by only two things: her strong faith and her intense love and compassion for her family, friends, and any other soul lucky enough to pass through her life. She was a tireless volunteer, often giving her time to better her community through organizations like the Golden Age Club of Milton in Jefferson Twp., the Silver Foxes, and the Holy Rollers, and always went out of her way to make sure that not a single person felt alone in this world. Even after she moved into Victoria Mews Assisted Living in her later years, she could often be found in the bistro enjoying sweets with the other residents or telling stories to the staff, always lending an attentive ear, a warm smile, and comforting presence. Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed many laughter-filled lunches on the lake with her sister, long walks and intense games of ball toss with her grandchildren, dancing the polka, generously giving hugs to anyone willing to accept, and partaking in animated conversations with family and friends on her patio. She lived for summer family gatherings on the lake and holidays in the city, and perfected her eyeroll after years of dealing with her husband’s many jokes that were only carried on by her sons. Mary was a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church in Oak Ridge, NJ, and her family firmly believe that God kept her in this world so long so that she could continue to spread His love through her caring nature to as many people as possible. She will be sadly missed, but widely celebrated and remembered for all she meant to her family, friends, and community. Mary was predeceased by her parents, her older brother, Louis Zabawa, her younger sister Gertrude Zdrojeski, and her adoring husband Joe Swerzenski. She is survived by 3 sons and daughters-in-law: Paul and Carol, Peter and Davi-Ann and Tom and Lisa; 5 grandchildren and 2 granddaughters-in-law: Jared and Jill, J.D. and Sara, David, Kristen, and Daniel; 2 great grandchildren: Claire and Elliot; her Goddaughter and niece: Kathy; and nieces: Kristine, Elizabeth, Janina and Wanda. A visitation will be held at Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home from 3-7 p.m. on Friday June 7 with a funeral mass at St. Thomas the Apostle at 10 a.m. on Saturday June 8 with interment to follow at the church cemetery. A repast at Portofino’s restaurant in Oak Ridge is planned after the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road; Oak Ridge, NJ 07438; www.miltonfirstaidsquad.org or to a charity of your choice.

MARY T. SWERZENSKI

July 29, 1921 - June 1, 2024