Marilou Schwan

   Marilou Burgess Schwan, 99, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016. She was born January 31, 1917 in Marion, OH and has been a long time resident of Mansfield. Marilou married Gordon A Schwan in 1935. She attended the First Congregational Church, was a member of Westbrook Country Club, & charter member (1951) of Altrusa Int. of Mansfield. Marilou and her husband Gordon were long time owners of Swan Cleaner’s prior to their daughter, Carol (Bud), and eventually grandson, Jeff, running the business.

Marilou (WeeWee to her family and closest friends) will be remembered for her love and belief in the best of all people. Marilou was devoted to helping people throughout her life, loyalty to friends and devotion to her family. Marilou was recognized as the 2012 MedCentral Hospice Ralph Phillips Caring Spirit Award winner. Marilou was quick to tell you “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve visited 23 countries, taken three cruises on the QE2 and flown on the Concord twice. It’s been a great ride.” Her motto was simple, but says it all. “If you care, you share. If you give, you get.”

Marilou is survived by her daughter, Judith Schwan Whitney (Don) Harris of Simpsonville, KY; her granddaughter Judie “Kent" Housel (Robert) of Sylvania, OH; grandson, Jeff Kent (Connie Valot) of Wooster, OH; and five great grandchildren, Courtney Kent of Elyria, OH; Kassie Kent & Nicole Kent, both of Mansfield; Patrick (Melissa) Housel of Morristown, NJ; Sean (Maria) Housel of Lakewood, OH; and two great-great grandchildren, Avery & Grant Housel of Morristown, NJ. Marilou is also survived by her sister, Marian Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Schwan (1976); her mother, Catherine Burgess (1974); her daughter, Carol Schwan Kent (2012); and five brothers and sisters (Cyril, George, Emerson, Phyllis, Helen).

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2016, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Bruce Haapalainen will be held Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Rd., Mansfield.  Private family burial will be held in Mansfield Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Altrusa International of Mansfield. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Kingston of Ashland for their compassionate care given to Marilou.