Obituary for MaryLou Szwed (Swede)
Mary Louise Szwed (Swede) of Granby, CT passed away peacefully at The Suffield House on Wednesday April 20th, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mary Lou was born on October 22nd 1950 in Hartford, CT to Stanley and Alice (Taravella) Szwed of Windsor Locks, CT. After graduating from Windsor Locks High School, she went on to study at Tunxis and Asnuntuk Community Colleges where she earned her degree in accounting. Her love of art drew her to Central Connecticut State University where she was an accomplished art student for many years.
She was a long-time employee at Combustion Engineering, Windsor Locks Public Schools, and Bickfords Nursing Home.
Mary Lou was happiest when she was with her family, especially her daughter and grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world and her pride and joy. She never missed a birthday, sporting event, graduation or any other opportunity to celebrate with her many family members. Her sisters and brothers were her best friends. She adored the children in the family and they will miss her generous spirit and playful nature. She adored her parents and lovingly spent as much time as she could with them as they aged.
Despite the many challenges she endured due to her Multiple Sclerosis she still lived her life to the fullest. She walked daily in town, greeted everyone she met with a smile, and was loved by the community.
She was an avid gardener and loved nature and animals. Art was her passion and her beautiful handcrafted greeting cards were loved by so many. She always gave back by volunteering yearly at the Salvation Army, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, and was always willing to help someone in need. She was generous, selfless, caring, and kind. She loved listening to music, especially if it was played by her family, and dancing. Sing alongs after Sunday dinners were some her favorite times.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Angela Flori and grandchildren Tanner, Alexis, and Brooklyn of Ellington and her six brothers and sisters; Elaine Ward; Stanley (Donna) Szwed Jr.; Judy (Thomas) Wilson; Jean (Roger) Johnson; Robert (Susan) Szwed; and Ali Lou (Anthony) Colapietro. She also leaves many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Alice Szwed, a sister, Elizabeth Burke; a nephew, Andrew Ward; and a great nephew, Michael Burke.
Relatives and friends can join the family on Wednesday, April 27th 2022, from 5-7 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd, Enfield CT 06082. A Committal service will be held on Thursday, April 28th 2022, at 10am at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Spring Street in Windsor Locks. Memorial donations in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to assist her grandchildren in their future education. Please mail donations to Windsor Federal Savings, Att Customer Service Department, Flori Children Education Fund, 250 Broad Street Windsor CT 06095.
Mary Lou was born on October 22nd 1950 in Hartford, CT to Stanley and Alice (Taravella) Szwed of Windsor Locks, CT. After graduating from Windsor Locks High School, she went on to study at Tunxis and Asnuntuk Community Colleges where she earned her degree in accounting. Her love of art drew her to Central Connecticut State University where she was an accomplished art student for many years.
She was a long-time employee at Combustion Engineering, Windsor Locks Public Schools, and Bickfords Nursing Home.
Mary Lou was happiest when she was with her family, especially her daughter and grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world and her pride and joy. She never missed a birthday, sporting event, graduation or any other opportunity to celebrate with her many family members. Her sisters and brothers were her best friends. She adored the children in the family and they will miss her generous spirit and playful nature. She adored her parents and lovingly spent as much time as she could with them as they aged.
Despite the many challenges she endured due to her Multiple Sclerosis she still lived her life to the fullest. She walked daily in town, greeted everyone she met with a smile, and was loved by the community.
She was an avid gardener and loved nature and animals. Art was her passion and her beautiful handcrafted greeting cards were loved by so many. She always gave back by volunteering yearly at the Salvation Army, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, and was always willing to help someone in need. She was generous, selfless, caring, and kind. She loved listening to music, especially if it was played by her family, and dancing. Sing alongs after Sunday dinners were some her favorite times.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Angela Flori and grandchildren Tanner, Alexis, and Brooklyn of Ellington and her six brothers and sisters; Elaine Ward; Stanley (Donna) Szwed Jr.; Judy (Thomas) Wilson; Jean (Roger) Johnson; Robert (Susan) Szwed; and Ali Lou (Anthony) Colapietro. She also leaves many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Alice Szwed, a sister, Elizabeth Burke; a nephew, Andrew Ward; and a great nephew, Michael Burke.
Relatives and friends can join the family on Wednesday, April 27th 2022, from 5-7 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd, Enfield CT 06082. A Committal service will be held on Thursday, April 28th 2022, at 10am at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Spring Street in Windsor Locks. Memorial donations in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to assist her grandchildren in their future education. Please mail donations to Windsor Federal Savings, Att Customer Service Department, Flori Children Education Fund, 250 Broad Street Windsor CT 06095.