Anna Mary Bathel

Anna Mary (Brownie) Bathel, 97, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully and with love and God in her heart, on Thursday, February 21, 2019. She was surrounded by family and those who loved her, whether by holding her hand or by keeping her in their thoughts. She was born in Akron, Colorado to Leonard & Hazel (McDaniel) Mourey on November 4, 1921. She was married to Harold D. Swan, who preceded her in death in 1944, and to Harold W. Bathel who passed in 1998. Brownie was a life-long resident of Lincoln NE and was a self-taught, self-employed and a well-respected piano and organ teacher which ranged over a span of nearly 25 years. She enjoyed her relationships with her students, young and old alike, and all that surrounded her teaching years. Mom's greatest pride was clearly her family, ranging from one-on-one time together, holidays (especially Christmas), vacations to Disney World and all of family life's major events. She was an ever present, visible and loving mother, and a caring and active grandmother that typified a "catalogue ordered" grandma. Her great grandchildren made her smile and laugh, being an extension of all that mattered to her...her "cherished" family. Brownie leaves a family legacy that includes her first born son, Martin H. Swan (St. Paul MN, who is married to Debbie), the caring and emotional support daughter Julie Anna (Bathel) Nefsky (Leesburg VA married to Rodney) and her protecting son Bill Bathel (Southwick MA, married to Linda). Equally important to her were her seven grandchildren -- Rebecca Nefsky, Joshua Nefsky, Emily (Nefsky) Cullen, Meghan (Nefsky) Perez, Trevor Bathel, Tanner Bathel and Taylor Bathel. And her four great grandchildren, Madelynn, Jackson, Charlie and Alma. Brownie also had special people in her life that cared for her, especially in her swan song years. Jim Leiser became the third love of her life as they found a common bond (family) which they shared their life stories and engaged in all of their interests -- music, movies and hand-holding. Amy Harris and Todd Hiles were hand-picked angels on earth that were always laughing with mom, being a little silly (here and there) and engaging in all that mom shared with them...including her popcorn. Mom was all about smiles, hugs and kisses and we will remember and cherish those the most. A family gathering will be held at Lincoln Memorial Mortuary, 6800 S. 14th Street in Lincoln NE at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 24th. The family will greet all of Brownie's friends at 4:30 p.m. A rosary service will follow at 6 p.m. On Monday, February 25th, the family will give a celebration eulogy of mom's tremendous life and her joyous spirit at 9:30 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Mortuary. A traditional funeral mass will be held at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 735 S. 36th Street, Lincoln NE beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Brownie's name to The Country House, 240 S. 70th Street Lincoln NE.