Mary Elaine Swartz (Merkel)

Mary Elaine Swartz, age 92, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 11, 2025. Born  April 29, 1933, in Mikado, Michigan, Mary lived a long and loving life dedicated to family, faith, and service to others.

Mary is survived by her sister, Karen Merkel; brothers, Ronald Merkel (Yvonne) and David Frayer (Donna); her brother-in-law Lowell Swartz; her sister-in-law Sandy VanNorman; and her beloved children: Michael Swartz (Tammy), Shannon Lynn, Sheri Sarata, Kelly Mulvihill (Sean), Kimberly Swartz (John Usher), Erin Crowley (Jamie), and Karen Johnstone (Vernon Schaff). Mary's family includes 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her love and guidance.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Elihu Swartz; her brothers, John and Richard Merkel; her sister, Una Mikazes; her son-in-law, Doug Sarata; and her beloved grandson, Nathan Swartz.

A woman of many talents, Mary was an award-winning seamstress who relished creating beautiful quilts and baby blankets for loved ones. She was well known for sewing and designing costumes for many school plays and local theater groups. She also contributed beautiful dresses and ring pillows to many wedding parties.

Upon her move to Jackson, Mary discovered the Jackson County Fair and she strongly encouraged family participation for six decades. Mary once designed and entered a quilt square to represent the essence of the fair. Her design was chosen to represent Jackson County in the Michigan Quilt Project.

Elihu Swartz was a truck driver and Mary kept the home fires burning. She was a dedicated, tireless wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary had the gift of creating something out of nothing. Together they built two houses from the ground up and raised a family of musicians, artisans, teachers and caregivers.

Outside the home, Mary worked in food service, retail, and childcare. She lived independently and was a meticulous housekeeper to the end. Her true calling in life was caregiving—whether tending to her siblings, husband, children, or grandchildren, Mary gave selflessly and wholeheartedly. She took in stray puppies, kittens and people. Her compassion extended beyond her family to anyone in need.

Mary was very proud of her husband's Native American heritage. She encouraged him to become a member of the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe. She supported him in embracing his roots, and ensured their children understood and appreciated their heritage. Her charities included several Native American children's charities.

Mary was always working on a "project." Her cookie jar was never empty, and she always found time for an ice cream break. She found great joy in gardening and her cooking talents made her home a warm, welcoming place for family and friends. She made the best homemade bread and potato salad and her sweet breads were a staple at any family gathering.

She spent much of her time at her cabin up north. She loved grooming the lawn with her zero-turn mower and her "weedy-whacker!" She enjoyed making frequent visits to local thrift stores, always on the lookout for state plates, pitchers and Christmas plates to gift to family.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice. We cannot express how much we appreciate the bonus year we had with our mom due to their kind, loving, and responsive care. Special thanks to Alicia, Liz, Christina, and all of the on-call nurses.

A Celebration of Life will begin with visitation on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home, 204 North Blackstone, Jackson, Michigan.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 711 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Jackson, Michigan. Visitation begins at 10:30 AM with the Mass at 11:00 AM with Fr. Robert Pienta and Deacon Mike McCormick officiating.

Mary will be laid to rest at on Tuesday, June 24 at 2:30 PM at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Mary's legacy of love, kindness, grace and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years