Catherine D. Swalec, 86, passed away on Friday October 2, 2015 at the Jewish Healthcare Center surrounded by her loving family. Catherine was born June 12, 1929 in Hazelton, PA, daughter of the late James J. and Catherine (Moran) Crossin. She graduated from St. Gabrielle’s High School and matriculated to the Hazelton General Hospital School of Nursing. She later worked at Fort Howard VA Hospital in Maryland where she met her future husband, John J. Swalec, Sr., DDS in 1951. Catherine moved to Massachusetts in 1952 and began working at Rutland Heights VA Hospital. She and John married in 1954 and the two spent the next 58 years together until his passing in 2012.
Catherine was employed at the Oakdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for over 25 as a registered nurse and later as the nursing supervisor. When not at work she remained busy raising six children and volunteering at a number of organizations in the area. She was a past president and member of the Catholic Woman’s Club and the Worcester District Dental Auxiliary. She was active in the Scouting Program serving as a den mother to her sons’ Boy Scout pack. A devout Catholic, Catherine was a parishioner and CCD teacher at Our Lady of Good Council Church for many years. In her leisure time, Catherine loved to read, dine out with friends, cook, and try out new recipes to share with her family. More than anything, Catherine loved spending time with her children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all whom had the pleasure to know her.
Catherine leaves her beloved children, John J. Swalec, Jr, M.D. and his wife Cora of Hampden, ME and their children, Jennifer, Lauren, Jack, Caitlin and Molly; James J. Swalec, Esq. and his wife Lynne of W. Boylston and their children, Joshua, Kate and Caleb Swalec and Kevin O’Brien and his wife Alysha; Catherine A. Swalec Roseen, Esq. and her husband Timothy of Malden and their children, Taylor, Ryan, and Shannon; Anne Marie Shea and her husband Paul of W. Boylston and their children, Catherine, Casey, and Mackenzie; Michael J. Swalec and his wife Lisa of W. Boylston and their children Emily, Tyler and Joseph; Thomas J. Swalec and his wife Melanie of W. Boylston and their children James and Joseph McMahon and grandson, Rory. Catherine also leaves a brother, James J. Crossin and his wife Barbara of Worcester and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John J. Swalec Sr. and her two sisters, Anne Leshko and Mary Crossin.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 6th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 W. BOYLSTON ST., WEST BOYLSTON, MA
A Mass of Christian Burial is to be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7th at 12:00 p.m.,at Our Lady of Good Council Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. Burial is to follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Healthcare, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or to an organization of your choice.
For directions and online condolence book please visit www.faybrothers.com.