Mary Frances Schweiger

As I sit under the mature oaks on Nana's property, I reflect on multiple beautiful memories of times spent here. As a young girl, I helped Nana plant many of these grand trees!
In the years to follow, countless Easter eggs were hidden (and lost) around her lovely yard � hours and hours of fun times spent by SIX, yes six generations playing "tennis", riding bikes, scooters and skateboards in Nana's driveway.
Most Christmas Eves were spent here. The main highlight was the wrapping paper wars we had � Nana was the first one to start these! As kids it wasn't officially your birthday until you had cake at Nana and Papas dining table.
Mary Frances Giambalvo Schweiger (our Nana) passed on May 17,2019 at the age of 95!!
Mary was the epitome of loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana and great (great) grandmother. She was beautiful of face, serene of spirit and full of grace.
Mary was born in Brooklyn, New York to Frank and Mary Giambalvo on November 16, 1923. She graduated high school at the age of 16 and met the love of her life that year. She and George Schweiger were married on February 22, 1942. Mary followed George to various stateside posts after he returned from European service in World War II.
Daughter Barbara was born in 1944 and son Richard followed two years later. In 1949 George and Mary moved to Winter Haven, Florida and then to Jacksonville in 1953. Mary worked for Casual Corner, Sarmel Children's wear, Sears and JEA. After retiring she helped Papa (Peeper Keeper) with their bird business. Many new bird owners were blessed with hand-trained pets that she hand fed and tamed. She lived in the Mandarin area since 1975 and belonged to St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
The saddest losses were to be of her children in 2018. In January, her beautiful daughter Barbara lost her dreaded cancer battle. Just 9 short weeks later, her son Rick also passed away.
Out of tragedies can only come blessings. We were blessed to be sent to Hadlow Hospice in Jacksonville, Fl. Barbara and Rick each spent their final days in room 306! As an extra sweet blessing, nana also spent her last ten days on earth in �.yes, room 306! The very first nurse we met when bringing mom there was the next to last nurse to care for nana. Nana wished to have her mom's beautiful pink pajamas for the Heavenly reunion.
Room 306 over looks a duck pond. A day before each of them passed, ducks arrived after not seeing any on days previous. The morning nana passed there were TWO ducks swimming around. We walked outside to take pictures of those and THREE Canadian geese flew over us off into the sunrise! The Peace that washed over us was amazing. Together again.
Nana will be greatly missed by grandchildren Patti (Mark), Julie (Ernie), Greg (Monika) & Sherry as well as many great and great- great grandchildren. Bobbi Newbern will also miss her "other mother".
The greatest blessing is that I have been able to honor one of mom's final wishes � to take care of Nana at home as long as possible. It has been a beautiful 16 months. In this time, I have learned the true meaning of the circle of life. When I was born, Nana helped mom make the beginning of my life wonderful. Then, I was able to help Nana on the last chapter of her earthly life�.
A mass will be said on Friday, May 31,2019 at 11:00 am. Father Sabastian will lead us through this mass at Saint Joseph's Historic Chapel located in Mandarin, Florida.
There are not enough words of thanks for the amazing love and tender care the staff at Hadlow Hospice Center gave all three of our loved ones. But especially precious was the sweet care they gave nana and all of us. Our hearts are fragile and they cradled us through the journey.
Another special hospice group were the beautiful CNA nurses, the middle of the night visiting nurses and huge thank you to Justine! Thank you for your support and encouragement!