Mary Juanita Switzer

Mary Juanita Switzer, 68, of Bloomington, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2015, in the I.U. Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after a lengthy illness.

She was born on Aug. 2, 1946 in Indianapolis to George E. and Ruth L. (O'Neill) Switzer, who preceded her in death.

Mary is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John and Peggy (Young) Switzer of South Bend; niece Jill Switzer-Wolf, her husband Eduardo Wolf and their children Cecilia and Joaquin of Eugene, Ore.; nephew Joe Switzer, his wife Elena (Dodd) Switzer and their children Mateo and Aiden, of St. Louis; and nephew Jim Switzer of Indianapolis.

She attended Indian River Junior College and Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in biology, finishing college magna cum laude in 3 ½ years.

She worked a year for the Indiana University Medical Center, then found her life's work as an I.T. specialist at Indiana Bell/Ameritech/ATT&T, retiring in 2000. She worked for Walmart for about 10 years, in four different locations, rising to the position of assistant manager. For the past four years, she was employed by the Monroe County YMCA, most recently as membership system administrator.

From the early age, Mary was a fearless and independent adventurer. She loved to golf, playing courses all around Indiana. Mary also enjoyed flying and traveling.

Mary was a devout and faithful Catholic Christian, regularly serving for many years at her parishes in Greencastle and Bloomington as a lector, Eucharistic minister and CCD teacher.

Mary was a voracious reader, with modern mysteries, romances, thrillers and anything about the Civil War. Mary also had a love for musical theater.

She took great joy and pride in being with her family, her work, her community and her church. Though she left us too soon, hers was a life well lived, and those who knew and loved her are better for having had her in their lives. She will be missed by all.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Mary's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 at St. Paul's Catholic Center, 1413 E. 17th St., Bloomington, IN 47401. Friends may call in the Gathering Space of the church from 9:30-11 a.m. to visit with the family before the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Monroe County, Indiana YMCA, Y for All Fund in memory of Mary Switzer, 2125 S. Highland Ave., Bloomington, IN 47401, or to St. Paul Catholic Center, at the above address.