Mary J Swartz

Mary Jane Swartz, 86, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023 at Otterbein of Pemberville. Mary Jane was born in the coal mining town of Besoco, West Virginia to Joseph and Mary Jane (Hilton) Lachney. She came from a very close knit and loving family and was proud to be a coal-miner’s daughter. Her memories of West Virginia warmed her heart. After moving to Northwest Ohio, she married Arthur John “AJ” Swartz and they shared 29 years together until he passed in 1984. She later met Stephen Zachel and they shared 37 years together until he passed in 2022.

Mary Jane loved people. She could and would talk with anyone, never meeting a stranger. She attended every family gathering. Mary Jane loved to travel and enjoyed special trips with her husband and with other family and friends after he passed. She loved good home cooking and was a frequent visitor of casinos near and far where she was particularly fond of the penny slots. She was a meticulous and proud homemaker. Most of all, Mary Jane will be remembered for her expressions of love, which she extended to everyone she encountered.

She is survived by her children; Catherine (Frank) Abdo, Nancy (Donald) Freeman, Karen (Charles) Behrman and John (Dawn) Swartz; step-children, John (Brenda) Zachel and Stephen Zachel; grandchildren, Stephanie, Scott, Shane, Donald Jr., Joshua, Krystal, JoNae, Justin, Alan, Emily, Brenda, Breann, John and Cali; eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Along with her husband, AJ, and partner, Stephen, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lawrence (Charlotte) Lachney, and sisters, Joan, Viola Mae (William Montaville) Rowe, Zedith (William) Richmond, and Susie (Richard) Yantiss.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where funeral services will he held at 3 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jane’s name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.