Shirley Jean Swartz, 75, was born in Newport News, Virginia. Her mother, Chalmer Fern Swartz, and father, James Early Swartz resided on 34th Street and Daphne Circle prior to their deaths in 1997.
She graduated from Newport News High School at the age of 17. She went to Kee Business College where she graduated with honors. She spent the next 10 years working for the Mica Plant in Newport News, Virginia. After completing Unit Secretary School for Riverside Regional Hospital in May of 1988, she became a very successful Unit Secretary for the hospital. She retired after 15 years of faithful, loyal service.
Shirley enjoyed going to the movies, embroidery, painting, playing games but most of all going to the Rose Garden at Huntington Park. She spent her life giving back to anyone in need. She loved going on cruises and traveling. She cherished and loved animals, her dogs, Sam, Trooper and Misha as well as the birds who all loved her dearly. Shirley took care of her parents and raised her brothers and sister and nieces. She was loved by all who knew her. She lit up any room she went into, and she was admired by many in her life.
We will remember all the things she loved: Pasta, Coke, President John F. Kennedy, author James Patterson, Top Gun Maverick and actor Jamie Dornan.
Let us not cry but rejoice in everlasting peace knowing that she is with all who loved her. Loss is never grand, it is solemn, it is bittersweet, even in faith is always with unfaltering love. Let us suffer not, but in celebration smile, for her presence is now with our Almighty God. In his name, I pray a resounding Amen…May the Angels welcome her into thy Kingdom of Heaven.
She was predeceased in death by her brothers, Terry Lee Swartz and James Swartz and her sister, Linda Swartz. She leaves behind her beloved brother, Michael Anthony Swartz, her loving nieces, Buffy Lynne Swartz, Brittany Pendergrass, and Emily Pendergrass as well as many nieces and nephews, Michael Swartz, his wife, and children, Crystal Houseman and family, Esther Walters and family, Sally Capps and family, Deliverance Bard and family, Grover Swartz and family, Jimmy Swartz, Missy Hardy, Penny Hardy, Stacey Hardy and Jennifer Swartz and family.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
