Leonie "Lee" Marian (Gibbs) Swartz, 56, of Marion, Ohio. After living a life of kindness and compassion, Lee passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2010.
Lee was born on April 18, 1954 in New Zealand to Bernie A. and Patricia E. (Hunter) Gibbs who preceded her in death.
Lee graduated from from Wellington Teachers College in New Zealand and taught for two years before embarking on a solo journey to see the world.
In 1978, while in Greece, she met Tim Swartz, the man who became her husband. They married on June 20, 1980 and had two sons, Stephen H. (1983) and Michael D. (1985), all survive.
Also surviving are her brothers, Dennis (Dorothy), Bernie (Maria) and Robert (Melissa) Gibbs all of New Zealand; as well as a sister, Margaret (Michael) Walls of New Zealand.
Lee loved books, travel, and music, but her husband of 30 years and her sons were the real joy of her life. Truly a shining example of God's presence on earth, Lee endured her 25 year battle with a brain tumor with grace, courage and perseverance. She inspired her family members and many friends with her tenacity, optimism, and spirit.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family will receive friends from 2 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at the Boler Activity Center on the Marion Catholic High School Campus, 590 Forest Lawn Blvd., Marion, Ohio, with a rosary service from 2 – 2:30 p.m. and words of remembrance at 5:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 2010 in St. Mary Church with Fr. Michael Nimocks and Fr. Rodney Damico Concelebrants. Burial will follow the mass in St. Mary's Cemetery. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Please make all donations to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines IL., 60018.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallandfolk.com
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