Mary Jane Swartz

Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 62 years, Henry Joseph “Hank” Swartz; her children, Michael Joseph (Lucy) Swartz, Stephen John (Amy) Swartz, Thomas James Swartz, and Margaret Marie Swartz; her grandchildren, Samuel John (Alyssa) Swartz, Angela Marie (Robert Edward) Dolan, Devon Michelle Swartz, Paige Marie Ruiz, Wilson Thomas Swartz, Emily Elizabeth Swartz, Matthew Joseph Swartz, and Nicole Margaret Swartz; her great granddaughter, Ana Maria Dolan; her sister, Carol Louise Glahn (Jim) Marks; and numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her son, Paul William Swartz; her parents, John William and Louise Higgins Glahn; and her brother, John William Glahn Jr.

Mary Jane graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, majoring in business, and from St. Matthew’s High School in Monroe, Louisiana. She married Hank Swartz on December 6, 1958 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland, Texas. She was a devoted wife and mother, giving unselfishly for the benefit of her family and friends.

Mary Jane’s life can be summed in one word: love. She was an understanding and compassionate person, putting the needs of others first, and will be greatly missed.

Mary Jane and her husband Hank were among the founding members of St. Albert’s Catholic Church in Houston in 1973, and for many years she served as a Rosary maker at the church, participating in Bible studies, Eucharistic Adoration, and other church activities.

She also played tennis in the Houston area for many years, and was an avid Houston Astros’ fan, helping cheer the team through losing seasons to the world championship.

Prior to coming to the Houston area, Mary Jane and her husband Hank lived in Midland, Texas (for nine years) and New Orleans (for six years) while Hank worked as a petroleum engineer with Shell Oil Company.

A Rosary for Mary Jane will be on Tuesday evening, October 12, at 6:30pm, with visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Settegast-Kopf at Sugar Creek Funeral Home, 15015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at 11:00 am at St. Albert’s Catholic Church, 11027 S. Gessner Road in Houston, with Rev. Fr. Vincent Tran officiating. A reception will follow in the parish center. Burial will follow at 2:00pm at Forest Park Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston.

Pallbearers will be Mary Jane’s sons, Michael Joseph, Stephen John, and Thomas James Swartz; and her grandsons, Samuel John, Matthew Joseph, and Wilson Thomas Swartz.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Jane Swartz may be made to St. Albert’s Catholic Church, 11027 S. Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77071.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Swartz family may be shared at www.settegastkopf.com.