Obituary of Mary Swaen

Ethel Swaen, 76, of Toms River, NJ, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on February 23, 2012. She resided at the Easter Seals Manchester Group Home, Toms River NJ since 2005. Ms. Swaen was born in Elizabeth, NJ. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all those who cared for her, and the hearts she touched in so many ways. One of Ms. Swaen's passions was to volunteer for local churches and her community. She loved to ride horses with her brother Paul, winning many ribbons. Ethel loved working with children's organizations and animals. She was the 2010 recipient of the New Jersey Association of Care Providers Community Star Award. Ethel was best known for "never" allowing anything to hold her back from what she wanted to accomplish. In spite of any difficulties in her life, whenever Ethel was asked how she felt, she replied, "happy, ya gotta be." Ethel Swaen was the beloved sister of Paul Swaen of Jackson, NJ, Margaret Neumann of Greenbrook, NJ, Jim Swaen of Littleton, Colorado, and Mildred Beida of Tuckerton, NJ. and was the cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews. In honor of Ms. Swaen, her family would like to thank Easter Seals of New Jersey, and the Van Dyke Hospice Center. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service on Saturday March 3, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Easter Seals Lacey Site, Oakfield Plaza, 15 Manchester Avenue, Unit 10, Forked River, NJ. There will be a Gathering of Friends immediately following the Memorial Service ending at 5:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ethel's memory may be made to the Easter Seals N.J., 1617 6th Ave, Manchester, NJ. 08757. For information or condolence messages, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.