Maryanne (Swejkowski) Abernathy

Maryanne Abernathy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Maryanne was one of ten children. One of two daughters among eight brothers. To know Maryanne was to know the heart of the family. She was the matriarch who brought everyone together, opening her home to children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors alike. Her house was the place where memories were made. Many will fondly remember endless summer days spent swimming in her pool, laughing at family gatherings, and celebrating holidays. Maryanne lived life with a wonderful sense of humor. She was famous for her playful pranks. She loved making people laugh and never passed up an opportunity for a practical joke. Her quick wit and mischievous spirit brought joy to everyone. Strong-willed and fiercely independent, Maryanne never accepted "no" as the final answer. If there was something she wanted to accomplish, she found a way. Her determination was matched only by her resourcefulness. Whether tackling a home renovation project, repairing something, or finding a solution to a problem, she approached everything with confidence. Maryanne loved crafting. From crocheting and making decorative glass blocks to creating with her Cricut machine, her hands were constantly making something beautiful. One of her greatest joys was card making, and she made sure every family member received a handmade, handwritten card for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Maryanne also had a remarkable gift for gardening. She could seemingly grow anything, filling her yard with flowers. Her love of family was beautifully preserved through her camera lens. She was rarely without a camera in hand, capturing precious moments. Especially on Christmas mornings as loved ones opened their gifts. Because of her, countless cherished memories live on in photographs that will be treasured for generations. She also had a special place in her heart for her black labrador retrievers. Maryanne leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her love, laughter, wisdom, and the traditions she created. Her family finds peace in knowing that her legacy lives on through every handmade card, every blooming flower, every family photograph, every shared laugh, and every gathering where her love continues to be felt.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, her parents, Frank and Agnes Swejkowski, her siblings: Frank, Irene, Mark, John, Jeff, and Joe.

She is survived by her daughter Debra Clark, her son Frank Pearson, her daughter by marriage Jackie Stacer and husband Colt, her grandchildren: Joey Clark and wife Brandi, Brandon Pearson, Miranda Clark and husband Tim, Joseph Kliment and wife Amy, and Elisabeth Hill, her Great-Grandchildren: Marlee, Liam, Isaac, Seamus, Albus, and Garrus, her siblings: Tony, Mike, and Lou, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. 

There will be a time for prayers before departure to the DFW National Cemetery at Nana and Papa's at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 24, 2026.

A committal service will be held at the DFW National Cemetery at 11:30 AM on Monday, August 24, 2026.

A reception will follow immediately afterwards at 1517 Meadow Ct. Midlothian, TX 76065.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maryanne (Swejkowski) Abernathy, please visit our floral store.