Magdalene Swarts

MAGDALENE "MAGGIE" SWARTS

Cedar Rapids

Magdalene "Maggie"

E. Swarts, 94, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 27, 2015, at Evergreen Estates. A Celebration of life gathering will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at The Avacentre at Brosh Chapel, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW.

Magdalene was born on Oct. 21, 1920, to Harry and Pearl Smith in Ottumwa. In 1936, she was united in marriage to Martin Middleton and had five children, they later divorced. In 1952, she married Claude Swarts in Kirksville, Mo. Together they had two daughters. Maggie waitressed and worked for Red Dot Potato Chip factory in Ottumwa. Maggie was well known for her great cooking skills and excellent pie making. She never met a stranger and was a very generous person.

Maggie is survived by seven children, Bob Middleton, Joyce (Mike) Aubrey, Phyllis (Gary) Webb, George (Linda) Middleton, Max Middleton, Carol (Duane) Kalous and Toni Swarts-Whiteside; 22 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous great-great grandchildren; her sister, LaVonne (Freddy) Balky; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude, her parents, three sisters and three brothers.

Per Maggie's request, in lieu of flowers or gifts, please provide nonperishable paper products or food to be donated to the local woman's shelter.

The family would like to thank the staff at Unity Point Hospice and Evergreen Estates for all their care and compassion.

Maggie will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.