MARYBEL SWASY, 103

Marybel Swasy, who loved God, family and country, passed away August 15, 2024, after a rich life of 103 years.

She was born June 7, 1921, in Indiana, Pa. as one of five children to Frank and Mary Allison. Her servant heart led her to earn an RN degree from Indiana Hospital in 1944, and she enlisted in the Army Nurses Corp during World War II.

Her letters home showed her humor during difficult times. “We marched nine miles over hill and dale,” Marybel wrote. She loved to ditch the fatigues for silk stockings and dresses for dances at the officer’s club. “We were almost self-conscious when we put on skirts instead of slacks,” she said. “The male officers were surprised to find that we did have legs.”

After basic training, Marybel was stationed in then-Burma where she tended to the soldiers from around the globe inside a makeshift jungle hospital where giant pythons were a constant threat.

Marybel returned to the states and worked private-duty nursing for many Indiana families. Despite her vow to never marry a farmer or have children, she married John L. Swasy in May 1948 after the corn was planted at his family farm.

John and Marybel purchased their own farm along route 217 north of Blairsville where they raised eight children. Marybel juggled at-home chores with occasional night-shift nursing jobs. She helped deliver many neighbors’ babies.

Farm hands, family and friends feasted at her expansive table. It was never just a simple sandwich; all enjoyed many a “nice roast” beef with her silky mashed potatoes, coleslaw, followed by Jell-O salad, cakes or pies.

She volunteered with the Hopewell Ladies Aid making apple butter, Easter eggs and pancake suppers to raise money for the church. Saturday nights were the only time Marybel sat down to be with friends, Mary and Paul Overdorff, to play cards. Her love of cards continued with “Hand and Foot,” which she enjoyed playing with neighbors Clare and Olive Ferguson, among others.

Marybel enjoyed traveling with family and friends. A cross-country drive to California included stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. A summer must: a week at the beach in Stone Harbor, N.J. Two trips to Europe included a train ride in the Swiss Alps, a panoramic view from the Eiffel Tower and a stroll through tulip gardens in Keukenhof. She loved every minute of those trips except when a Swiss chef served her a raw egg on top of spaghetti.

Marybel lost her sweetheart John in 1981. She is survived by eight children: John Swasy Jr. (Linda), Amy Kase (Bob), Charles Swasy (Judy), Allison Kline (Carl dec.), Mary Ann Rosenbaurm (Karl), Roger Swasy (Barb), Alexis Hill (Ben dec.) and Alecia. In addition, she has 44 grand, great and great-great grandchildren.

Life won’t be the same without our beloved mother. Our family and friends were blessed to have her in our lives for so many years.

The family extends our special thanks to Indiana Regional Medical Center, the Communities at Indian Haven, 365 Hospice, Dr. Andrew Cash and Nurse Practitioner Amy Pletz and other staff for their help and care.