Mary Swindell

Cobden - Mary Louise Swindell, 62, died peacefully at her home in rural Cobden, Illinois on Friday, October 11, 2013, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Born April 11, 1951 in Carbondale, Mary was the daughter of Joe Wilbur and Bettye June Swindell who preceded her in death. Surviving are three siblings: Joe (Kathy) Swindell of Carbondale; Dick (Sherry) Opp of Las Vegas; Betsy Swindell Hicks of Ocala, Florida, and many cousins. Mary had fond memories of her childhood years, living in a ten room apartment on North Illinois Avenue above Swindell Motors, which was owned by her father. In later years after the family moved to Sycamore Street, family gatherings always included reminiscing about holidays or amusing incidents that happened at "the apartment." In the early years of Mary's working career, she served the City of Carbondale in the Code Enforcement Division. After receiving a master's degree from the School of Music, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), she taught band and chorus for five years at Giant City School. Mary later changed careers when she completed a master's degree in Accountancy at SIUC and was hired by the university. For twenty-eight years, she served in various managerial and financial positions at SIUC, becoming well-known throughout campus. In 2009, she retired as the Business Manager in the Dean's Office, College of Liberal Arts. During the past thirteen years, Mary owned and operated Bellwether Farm where she became a leading breeder of Barbados Blackbelly sheep. Along with her five border collies, she hosted herding clinics with nationally-known instructors who drew students and dogs from across the country. She served as both Secretary and Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI). For the past seven years, Mary held the Office of Registrar, making her permanent mark on the Association by developing BBSAI registration policies and standards. A love of animals, as well as Mary's passion for Bellwether Farm, was evident in the number of animals she cared for which included border collies, sheep, cats, geese, chickens, and ducks. Mary's many hobbies included, quilting, crocheting, and she made intricate doilies and colorful hats. During the time that she was undergoing treatments for her illness, she would present hats as gifts to other women who were battling the same disease. Mary was musically talented and capable of playing several instruments, including piano, flute, guitar, and recorder. Gathering with friends to sing and play music was one of her favorite pastimes. Mary was a member of First United Methodist Church of Carbondale for forty years. The family will receive friends at the Meredith Funeral Home on Monday, October 14 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. officiated by the Reverend John Annable. Burial will be at Murdale Memory Gardens Cemetery, Murphysboro.



Service:



1:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2013



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, Illinois







Visitation:



11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2013



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, Illinois