Mary Louise (Barrows) Schwertfeger, 91, of Follansbee, WV has joined her many family and friends who welcomed her in our Lord's Kingdom on Thursday, August 22, 2019.
Mary was the daughter of the late Margaret (Peg) Goettel and George Barrows. She was born January 29, 1928, in Washington PA and came to Follansbee in 1945. After graduating from Follansbee High School in 1946, She began working at the C&P Telephone Company, where she remained employed for 14 years.
Mary was a devoted wife, to William “Bill” Schwertfeger for 65 years, loving mother to her sons, John (Nancy) and Mark (Dee Ann) and a wonderful grandma to Justin (Becca), Jesse (Nick) and Jake. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Casale of Las Vegas and three sisters, whom she recently met, Cindy Hines, Jamie (Bill) Baker and Sandra (Arthur) Coker and many nieces and nephews.
Mary's life revolved around her family, friends and the numerous volunteer activities that she participated in. She was the grandma in the stands cheering for her three grandchildren. She loved going to Ruggles Beach, shopping trips, line dancing with her friends, block parties on East St. and hanging out on the porch talking with neighbors. Volunteering became a big part of her life. She loved our little town of Follansbee and wanted to help whoever she could. Mary felt that volunteering was rewarding no matter how large or small the task. If there was a need she always stepped up. She was very active in the GFWCWV 20th Century where she held many offices in Follansbee and in the Northern District. Mary volunteered with Change Inc., PTA, Children's Summer Food Program, Craft Shop, Domestic Violence Center, Follansbee Community Days Committee, Neighborhood Watch, Vial of Life Program and the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the Follansbee Presbyterian Church where she served as Trustee Chairman, Deacon and Elder of the Church. Her many awards included R.S.V.P. Senior Volunteer, Follansbee Community Service, Citizen of the Year and Lifetime membership from the GFWCWV.
Mary was preceded in death by her step father, Chuck Goettel, a brother-in-law, John Casale and nephew, Gary Delanta, sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Tom Cain and brother-in-law, David Hines.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from Noon to 3:00 and 5:00-8:00 PM and again on Monday, August 26, 2019 from 10:00 until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV (304)527-1717, with her pastor, Frank Haas, officiating.
Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Colliers, WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Follansbee Presbyterian Church or GFWCWV, C/o James Funeral Home, 1245 Main Street, Follansbee, WV 26037.
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