Martha June Swan

Martha J. Swan, age 91, died Saturday, December 25, 2010 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Warren Center. She was born on June 27, 1919 in Detroit, the daughter of the late William and the late Edith (nee: Draftz) Domke. In telling the story of Martha's life, perhaps the most endearing reflection would be the loving & devoted 62 years she was blessed to share with the man of her dreams, Thomas Swan Jr. On a fateful day at Camp Arcadia on Michigan's west side, Cupid's arrow pierced both of their hearts and their lives would never be the same. As their love grew, it led them to altar at St. Thomas & St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Detroit where, on May 8, 1948, the two became husband & wife and would go on to share the joys laid out for them by their Heavenly Father. For this lady, all "pretty in pink" (her favorite color), who possessed many talents and gifts, the fabric of her life was definitely woven around her devout faith and Lutheran heritage. A longtime member, and one of the last remaining remnants of St. Thomas & St. Peter's Lutheran Church on Chene & Pierce St's in Detroit, Martha was immeasurably devoted in her beliefs and exercising her faith with good works. Whenever there was a need, you'd always find Martha reaching out to help, especially at church. More recently, she was a proud member of the "OWLS" group, an acronym for; "Older Wiser Lutheran's Serving." But church wasn't her only venue for serving. With her children attending Lutheran High East in Harper Woods, she was also an active member of the school's Ladies Guild who spent countless hours of support through various volunteering and fundraising activities. She was a force to behold, and her giving spirit was a shining example of the compassionate heart she possessed. When it came to the things she enjoyed, Martha's pasttimes were great in number and an eclectic array as well. One of her favorites was gardening. Whether for her vegetables or flowers, she simply enjoyed tilling the soil with her own brand of tender-loving-care and watching the fruits of her labors at work. Of all her gardening delights, though, her roses were her pride & joy...especially the "pink" ones. Martha was also renown for being quite the seamstress. Not only did she design & sew clothing for her kids, but her creativity also extended to that of doll clothing as well. There's no mistaking that she loved working with her hands. And this was also realized through the array of crafts she produced which she vendored at the various craft shows and bazaars in the area. Yet the story continues, but now from her "sporting side." Martha loved the sport of bowling, but was even more passionate about her love for the game of softball. For years, she was an active participant in the Lutheran Softball League, and quite good, too. But perhaps most favorite of all were the times she spent with Thomas trolling for northern pike in the waters up in Escanaba. She absolutely loved to fish, and it wasn't uncommon for she and Thomas to spend an entire day out on the boat together. So, obviously, the story of Martha's life is a full and rewarding one. Though her passing may leave a bit of sadness, the legacy of love she leaves will live on forever in the memories of those whose lives she so dearly touched. She will be missed immensely, and remembered affectionately. Beloved wife of Thomas Jr. Dear mother of Linda (Jerry) DeRuiter and Ken (Lynelle) Swan. Loving grandmother of Heather (Scott) Glenday, Steven Swan, Erica Swan, and great-grandmother of Leah. She is also survived by step-great grandchildren, Brendan and Jessica. She was preceded in death by twin daughters Jean & Jane, and siblings; George Domke, Chester Domke, and William Domke. Visitation for Martha will be on Wednesday, December 29th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 23801 Kelly Road in Eastpointe where she will lie in state from 9:30am until the time of service at 10:30am. Officiating will be Pastor Arnold Brammeier. Following the service, the family will be hosting a luncheon at the church hall. Interment will follow the luncheon at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, Michigan. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Thomas Lutheran Church Foundation, the School, or the General Fund. Please share memories of Martha at her guest book.