Obituary of Agnes Jean Swinton

Agnes Swinton, of Freeland, Michigan, age 99, passed away peacefully October 15, 2017 surrounded by her devoted family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and soon-to-be great-great-grandmother. Agnes Jean Kocis grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, one of eleven children of immigrant parents Frances and Anthony Kocis. Agnes J. Swinton worked at the Blind Institute, Saginaw Grey Iron, and the Gun Plant. She is the eldest member of St. Agnes Church of Freeland, MI. She enjoyed playing euchre, visiting her son's cottage, relaxing on her granddaughter's front porch, and all things country. Her husband John G. Swinton (Sparky) fell in love with her the first day they met; they married in 1948 and they shared a full life together until his death in 1994. In 2008 she moved to Freeland and lived under the compassionate care of her daughter Jean and son-in-law Robert Beeckman. She is survived by her children: Jean (Robert) Beeckman, Janet Call, Joan (Joseph) Hayes, twin sons John (Mary Lynn) Swinton, and Edward (Cindy) Swinton. She leaves behind her eleven grandchildren: Robert (Julia) Beeckman, Gregory (Concetta) Beeckman, Bridget Beckman; Tamara (Gary) Driskill and Stefanie Biggs; Brittany and Ryan Hayes; Jonathon (Susie) Swinton; Jessica (Richard) Pimlott; Eric Swinton, Clarissa (Ryan) Wegner. Her life was further enriched by eleven great grandchildren: Sophie and Max Beeckman, Nevada Beeckman, Austin and Amanda Medina, Jenna and Trevor Driskill, Taylynn Biggs; Hazel Northcutt-Swinton; Ryder and Raina Wegner. She also is survived by beloved sisters Ann and Helen. She was preceded in death by her husband John, five sisters and three brothers, and her granddaughter Stefanie. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy for Agnes will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 300 Johnson St., Freeland. Rev. Fr. Robert DeLand will officiate. Private family burial take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. Agnes will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to St. Agnes Catholic Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com