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1944 - 2008
 Age: 64
SWARTZ, Carol J. "Frog," "Gigi"
Of Lawton, MI
Carol passed away suddenly Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born Aug. 24, 1944 in Paw Paw, MI the daughter of the late Viola Rose (Waters) and Dana ODell Goble. She was the youngest daughter of three siblings, her brother, Gerald and sister, Yvonne predeceased her. Carol was a 1962 graduate of Lawton High School and attended Battle Creek Community College. She Married Donald R. Swartz on August 26, 1967 at the Lawton United Methodist Church and recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. Prior to beginning her family, Carol worked as a secretary for Don Seelye Ford, Kalamazoo College and the Child Guidance Clinic. On April 1, 1973, she gave birth to her twins, Scott and Cindy, a blessed "April Fools!" She was a founding organizer for the Kalamazoo Chapter of Mother of Twins Club. For 18 years, she was a stay at home mom who volunteered at her children's school, served as Brownie/Girl Scout Leader, as well as the class Advisor for the Class of 1991. Carol was presently employed as a secretary at Lawton Middle School and truly loved her job working with both students and staff. Carol served as a mentor for the M & M Club at Lawton Middle School and was awarded the "VanBuren Mentor of the Year" award for 2007. Carol was happiest when spending time with her family, especially with her grandson, Bryson who referred to her as Gigi. Gigi was really looking forward to the birth of her second grandson, Caleb Daniel Swartz, expected to arrive any day. Carol also enjoyed playing cards with her card club and loved to travel. Carol and Don traveled extensively and recently returned from a Mediterranean Cruise. They had also taken many other cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean and traveled the 50 states with their children. Carol was a kind and giving person whose generosity continued after her life with the generous gift of organ and tissue donation. Carol is survived by her husband, Donald, their two children and spouses, Scott (Andrea) Swartz of Atlanta, GA and Cindy (Chris) Ballosh of Saginaw, MI; grandson, Bryson Scott Swartz; 3 special cousins, Geraldine Greve, Gloria (Ted) Morse, and Kim (Kevin) Henderson (and their children, Ashley, Whitney and Blake); and many friends and family. Visitation will be held Monday, Oct. 27, 2008 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 at 2 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, MI. A luncheon will be served immediately following at Lawton Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society or the Gift of Life. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Bronson Trauma Center for their kindness, especially nurses, Sara and Angie and the Gift of Life Staff. |
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There are currently 32 condolences.
The Shannon Family
heathershannon@comcast.net
Thursday October 30, 2008 at
7:55 PM
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Carol was a wonderful lady and will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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Andy J. Duffield
Wednesday October 29, 2008 at
8:22 PM
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I would like to make a correction to my previous note that my grandmother was not in MADD with Mrs. Swartz but she was in mothers of twins club with her.
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Carolyn Irons Packard
Wednesday October 29, 2008 at
4:36 PM
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Don and family,
Many fond memories have flooded through my mind in the last several days of the times Carol and I, with other classmates, spent together growing up in Lawton some fifty years ago. We had the band activities, French Club, Parties, and other normal high school activities that quickly come to mind. I have one memory though I would like to share that is sort of funny and yet scary at the same time. When Carol's dad used to go to Kalamazoo to visit friends on a Saturday night, he felt better about leaving Carol in the evening with the company of a girlfriend. I think the rule was just one friend at a time and I think this was middle school age. One such weekend I was invited and we did all the usual girl stuff like doing each other's hair, playing cards, even dusting salt and pepper shakers, and then she informed me that we were going to make a birthday cake for her father. Now I had not a clue how to make a cake, but she just dove right in. I'm sure it took us a while to clean up the poor kitchen when finished but the cake didn't look bad and we did have a good time. She was pretty good in the kitchen then. We even put 40 some birthday candles on top of that cake. It was spectacular and we were so proud. Later when we heard her dad coming into the driveway, we turned off the lights, hid in the kitchen, and lit all the candles. It was quite a blaze. All the poor man could see as he started to unlock the front door was shadows of flickering flames reflecting off the dining room wall. Of course he couldn't get the door unlocked fast enough, and rushed in to save his child and home from what he must have thought was a blazing kitchen fire. We were loudly singing "Happy Birthday to You" as he charged into the kitchen and found to his great surprise and relief that the house wasn't burning, but his daughter had only lovingly thought of him on his special day. I don't remember him being too upset, no yelling or anything, but as I think back on that time what panic we must have given him. I don't remember if I was invited over again for one of those fun overnighters, but I do have many other fond memories of times spent together. Carol always had wonderful ideas on how to share her love and created many wonderful memories for all of us to share.
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Chuck Bernard, using daughter's e-mail
Wednesday October 29, 2008 at
3:34 PM
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Don,
I want you to know that I am thinking and praying for you and your family.
From knowing you I have no doubt Carol was truly wonderful woman.I was at the visitation but was unable to speak with you.
Again my heart goes out to all of you. If you need anything at all please give me a call.
God Bless,
Your Golf Partner,
Chuck Bernard
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Andy J. Duffield
Tuesday October 28, 2008 at
9:22 PM
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Mrs. Swartz was a great women. She was secratary at Lawton Middle School when I attended it. I am a recent graduate of 06". One thing I remember about miss Swartz is that every time I went into the office we would get caught up in conversation and she would always ask how my grandma Barbara Duffield was doing. See my grandma and Mrs. Swartz attended Mother Against Drunk Driving(MADD) together many years ago. I will pray that she rests peacefully in heaven and hopefully will meet my brother Cody who died when he was five up in heaven. To the family I will also pray that you get through this tough time. I know how it is to loose a loved one and it is very hard to get through.
Sincerly
Andy J. Duffield
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Cindy Vander Weele (Beeman)
cindyvanderweele@yahoo.com
Tuesday October 28, 2008 at
8:37 PM
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Mr. Swartz, Scott and Cindy:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lawton has lost a beautiful woman and asset to our community. She will be remembered very fondly.
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tyler duffield
Tuesday October 28, 2008 at
7:48 PM
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Im very sorry that u had to pass mis swartz. u where a great office secretary at lawton middle school. im in tenth grade now but i will miss u cause u where a very nice person and u had a good heart. =)
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Ron & Shar Brown
Tuesday October 28, 2008 at
7:12 PM
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Our deepest sympathy
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Tabitha Day =(
Tuesday October 28, 2008 at
3:08 PM
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Dear: Mrs. Swartz
You have been a great plessure to all of us and so it was really awful....to hear about your death and I just wish I could've gave up my life for you to live I would've done anything to keep you alive but, I know thats to late now and I just miss you alot and I can't stop crying because of the death and I know that nothin will ever be the same without okay may Mrs. Swartz rest in peace I'm so sorry for the justure ok well bye.
Tabitha :(
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Barbara Ann Duffield
Monday October 27, 2008 at
9:37 PM
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Dear Don and Family,I was shocked and sad to hear of Carole's untimely death. I met Carole at the Kalamazoo Mother of Twins Club.We shared many happy times as we sought solutions to raising twins. As my family grew I no longer went to the club. Some years later as I went to the Middle School office to pick up a grandchild I saw Carole there and we renewed our memories.I looked forward to seeing her happy smile whenever I went to the office. I will really miss her! My prayers go out to you and your Family.With deepest sympathy, Barbara Ann Duffield
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Austin Perry
Monday October 27, 2008 at
8:05 PM
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We will all miss you. You helped out at the school alot and was a big part of our community.
Rest in peace
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John, Karen, Sam & Anna Biggio
Monday October 27, 2008 at
7:49 PM
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Don, Scott & Andrea, Chris & Cindy, We were so shocked to hear the sad news of Carol passing. We know what a special person she was and how much she is loved. She was one of the most giving people we knew. When Scott & Andrea were married Carol made our entire family feel like her family. We will keep your family in our prayers. The Biggio's
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Bonnie (Becker) Walworth
Monday October 27, 2008 at
4:02 PM
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Dear Mr. Swartz, Scott, and Cindy, I was so saddened to learn of the loss of Mrs. Swartz. She was always so kind to me and everyone in our class. I think of the time she spent as our girl scout leader, our class advisor, and the mother of friends. I can't imagine how much time she devoted to preparing for those meeting, cooking for us, driving us all over the place, and the other countless things she did. She was truly generous. Her example and grace have touched my life and made me a better person. I'm sorry I never told her. May the Lord fill you with His peace and love during this time of loss.
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Shirley Gardner Mroczek
shirley_mroczek@hotmail.com
Monday October 27, 2008 at
3:07 PM
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Don-My heart goes out to you and yor family. I have known Carol for about 47 years, so when I came to work at the bank in Lawton a few years ago it sure great to look up one day and see her smile. Carol's contagious smile and kindness will always be in my heart. God Bless you.
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Karyn Trumps- Shean
Monday October 27, 2008 at
1:21 PM
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Mr Swartz, Scott, Cindy and Families-
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jim & Kerrie Boughner
Monday October 27, 2008 at
1:09 PM
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Don and family,
Kerrie and I are very sorry for your loss. I did not know her very well but she was always very nice to me since I started working in the school. I know she will be missed greatly by the students and staff alike. Our prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Jim & Kerrie Boughner
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Pat & Rog Whitfield
Monday October 27, 2008 at
12:46 PM
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To Don and Family, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May your memories of Carol bring you peace.
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Linda M. Krause
Monday October 27, 2008 at
12:15 PM
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To The Swartz Family --
We at Lawton Middle School are having a difficult time dealing with the loss of our secretary and mentor, Carol. The loss of the many family pictures that always surrounded her desk at school makes us miss her even more.
Carol had mentored many students throughout the years and was a co-founder of the M&M Club, a mentoring club, at the middle school. Her heart went out to all of the students at Lawton Middle School, but especially the members of the M&M Club.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Don, Cindy,Chris, Scott, Andrea, and her little grandson, Bryson.
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Shirley Lynn
Monday October 27, 2008 at
9:21 AM
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To Don and Family - I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Patti Haas
patricia_haas@netzero.net
Monday October 27, 2008 at
9:11 AM
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Dear Don and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was easy to see the love and devotion that Carol had for all of you and for her work. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God's strength and comfort to you all, Patti Haas
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Tom & Eileen Hayward
Sunday October 26, 2008 at
6:24 PM
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Please know that we are in prayer for all of you in this time of loss and grieving for a dear wife, mother and grandmother. We send our deepest sympathy and love.
Tom & Eileen Hayward
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Sharon Valentine
Sunday October 26, 2008 at
6:19 PM
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To Don, Cindy and Scott: I am so very sorry that I am not able to fly home for the funeral. I wish I could be there to support you and Carol's many friends.
As I began to think about the memories of my time with Carol, the local marching band, here in TX, was practising. That is very meaningful to me; because my fondest memories of Carol were the many times that we lugged our saxophones to her house, after school. We would chat, practise and goof around with duets. I was usually there until after her father returned from home. I always felt welcomed in their home.
Carol and I shared a shyness and vulnerablility in our early years. She shared the memories, as band became my central focus, and brought me out of my shell. I watched Carol as she pushed herself to become a leader and gain the self confidence that shined even more, after she had the support of Don.
I feel very lucky to have had her love, support and kindness all these years.
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Patti Downs
Sunday October 26, 2008 at
2:32 PM
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To Don and Family: I am connected to Carol in friendship going way back to when our husbands met each other through their jobs at Michigan Mutual Ins. Co. This brought a few insurance adjusters and their wives together in a social circle of fun and friendship. We were young and most of us had not started our families yet (late 60's). We later all went in separate directions, as life would have it, but there are certain people and memories we never forget and Carol and Don are just that. I feel honored to have known such a sweet lady and couple such as they have always been. I am so sad for the family she has left behind, and will pray for God's conforting touch and understanding at this time. God's blessings.....
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MaryAnn & Dan Sterkowicz
dsterkowicz@chartermi.net
Sunday October 26, 2008 at
12:18 PM
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To Carol's Family,
I have been lucky to have had Carol's friendship for over 60 years and even though we didn't get to see each other often, when we were together we laughed until the tears came. I will treasure those times from when we were little girls playing with our paperdolls to high school to our long loving marriages to class reunions to our constant e-mails. I will always remember you, dear friend. God has a new special angel to help him watch over those of us left behind. Until we meet again.
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Russell Schieber
Sunday October 26, 2008 at
11:57 AM
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Don and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
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Linda Wright Mauk
Saturday October 25, 2008 at
9:55 PM
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Don, Cindy, Scott and Family
I am so saddened by Carol's death, a loss for me of a great, true friend. Carol was a year and two days older than me. I was a grade behind her in school. We developed a friendship when we were in band in 5th and 6th grades. Carol played the saxophone, I played the coronet.
In high school we hung out in the same circle of girlfriends. Carol drove me to the LaCantina restaurant in Paw Paw to have my first pizza when she was 16 and I was 15. Carol also hosted several "pajama parties" in high school. How risque we were one time, when we actually played "strip poker" while her Dad left us alone for a couple of hours.
In 1964 I remember her purchasing the new Ford Mustang car. She was the "coolest" girl ever driving that car and I was envious.
A few years later when we were both married and had our children, we helped start a pinochle card club with a few other girlfriends in Lawton. Every month we got together to play cards and share our lives. We took turns hosting the event in our homes. We could always count on excellent food, hospitality and a beautifully kept home when the event was hosted by Carol (and assisted by Don). For 25 years plus I was able to belong to that special group of girlfriends.
Another kinship that Carol and I shared was our penchant for "ironing". I think we were the last two girls in Lawton that ironed everything! She was one step ahead of me in the early days when she ironed sheets and Don's white T-shirts.
I remember when Scott and Cindy were born and how very happy Don and Carol were. They have been devoted to them ever since.
My life took a different turn in 1998 when I left the Lawton area. But I never lost my friendship with Carol. Several months may have elapsed between our conversations or notes to each other, but we kept in touch.
Don and Carol were the best example of a great marriage: they were each other's best friend. They were a beautiful couple.
My last conversation with Carol was a few weeks ago after her fall at Westside. She talked about Cindy's life, Scott's upcoming second child and the trip that she, Don and Gerry had taken in the summer. She mentioned my oldest grandson, Christopher that she saw in the middle school.
Carol was always a lady, always caring and always my friend. Memories never die.
In Sadness,
Linda Wright Mauk
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Anne Marie Potts
annemarie.potts@astrazeneca.com
Saturday October 25, 2008 at
9:20 PM
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Don, Scott, Andrea, Cindy, Chris, & Bryson,
Words cannot express our sincere sympathy to you all. Carol was such an amazing wife mother, grandmother, and friend, and she touched so many lives over the years. I cant even begin to know what you are going through, but please know that we here in West Virginia are all thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Deinhardt, Costain, & Potts Family
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Russ and Linda Whitfield
Saturday October 25, 2008 at
4:28 PM
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To Don and Family, We were sadden to get the call of Carol's passing. Our Memories of Carol will always be of how loving and kind she was to all she knew. Carol always had a smile for you. Our deepest sympathies to Don and Family.
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Pat VanZoeren
Saturday October 25, 2008 at
12:37 PM
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With deepest sympathy.
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Honey Joyce Handy
hjhandy42@yahoo.com
Saturday October 25, 2008 at
10:41 AM
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Hi Don and family,
I received a call from Pat McNally last night regarding Carol. I just want to express my sympathy to everyone. I am so glad you were able to take such a wonderful trip earlier this summer - you will have good memories. Just know I am thinking of you. Honey
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SANDEE WILLIS
Saturday October 25, 2008 at
10:08 AM
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To Don and Family, Carol was one of those gracious and kind women you find so often in the Lawton area. She was a grest asset to the school and in particular to my granddaughters as they have progressed thru the Lawton School, always helpful and encouraging. May the memories that you share keep her near to your heart always.
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Tabatha Hall & Family
hampton143@sbcglobal.net
Friday October 24, 2008 at
3:06 PM
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Mr. Swartz, Scott and Cindy,
I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Swartz's passing. I have so many fond memories of her at sporting events, especially track meets...always showing her support. A wonderful lady, who's love for her family and her community will surely not be forgotten. May God fill you with fortitude and comfort; and may He give strength and peace to all of you.
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