Mary Elizabeth (Fissel) Swartz

Mary Elizabeth (Fissel) Swartz

Proud to be a Wife and Mother -

Mary Elizabeth (Fissel) Swartz, age 70, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.  Mary was born on Tuesday, May 16, 1950, in Harrisburg to the late Paul Whitman Fissel and Lucille May (Frazer) Fissel.  In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by sister, Beverly Sunderland.

Mary’s survivors include her husband of 47 years, Elden “Bud” H. Swartz, Jr.; her two sons: Matthew “Matt” Swartz and wife, Amanda, of Fulshear, Texas, Paul Swartz and wife, “Dee”, of Arlington, Virginia; her four grandchildren: Parker, Cole, Michaela and Cade; and her brother, Robert “Bob” Fissel.

Mary graduated from Cedar Cliff High School as part of the class of 1968.  She was a member of Camp Hill Presbyterian Church for 16 years, where she served as Elder, as chairperson of the Pastoral Search Committee and as a member of the Staff Commission.  Mary served as an Administrative Assistant to the President of the Pennsylvania System of High Education, who brought her to Harrisburg University as his Administrative Assistant.  She was a proud wife and mother. When asked what she did for a living she replied, “I’m the Administrative Assistant to the President of …, and a wife and mother!” Mary had a talent for Tole painting on wood that her husband cut from patterns that she created.  She also taught Tole painting in her home and at the Army War College in Carlisle. Mary enjoyed traveling with her family, with some of her favorite destinations being Williamsburg, Virginia, Disney or just a drive through the woods.  Her family will miss the delicious meals and the tasty baked goods that she made for them. Mary was such an excellent cook, that she often cooked meals for more than 200 people at church.  Her family meant the world to her.  She was fiercely proud of her sons’ accomplishments and she cherished the time that she spent with her grandchildren.  Her family and friends will miss her greatly.

All are welcome to join Mary’s family at viewing on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with service beginning at 12:15 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with The Reverend Nancy Conklin officiating.  Mary’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Interment will follow the reception in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Mary’s life can be made to Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 North 23rd Street, Camp Hill, PA  17011, www.camphillpres.org/stewardship.

Mary’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Mary’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.