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Norma Jane (Woodward) Swartwood, 82, of McAlisterville entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 22 at her residence following a courageous battle with dementia. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Hilda Woodward.
On July 27, 1963, she married her surviving husband, Franklin D. Swartwood and they were blessed to be able to share almost 63 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her loving children, Clifford L. Swartwood and his wife Dana and daughter Karen A. Imes and her husband, Kevin. She was the most incredible grandmother to her three grandchildren who were truly “the apple of her eye”: Ryan Swartwood (wife Rachael) Ashton and Abriella Imes and two great granddaughters Evelyn and Lydia Swartwood.
Norma is survived by two sisters, Emma Spade (late husband Johnny), Shirley Spade (companion Bill) and three brothers, Frank “Sonny” Woodward (wife Bunny), Jim Woodward (wife Maxine), and Donnie Woodward (wife Lisa) and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister Vivian Woodward, sister Mary Heim, sister Esther Bryner and Nancy Grove who was like a sister to her.
Norma graduated from Juniata Joint in 1962 and early in life she worked at the Kinney Shoe Factory and the McAlisterville and Richfield sewing factories. She retired from Armstrong World Industries in Dec. of 2005.
Norma was an avid trout fisherwoman and could be found along the creeks of Juniata County, casting her line and catching fish for the family's annual summer fish fry. She loved spending time in the kitchen, where she poured her heart into cooking and baking for those she loved. Her famous sticky buns and raisin-filled cookies became family favorites and will be remembered fondly by everyone who tasted them. Norma treasured time with her family and friends and was happiest when she was caring for and spoiling those she loved. Norma loved hunting, butchering, gardening, and tending to her beautiful flowers, finding join in the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life.
True to Norma's down-to-earth nature, she would not have wanted anyone to celebrate her life in fancy clothes. Her family invites you to come as you are and join them in honoring the extraordinary woman she was.
Funeral Services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the East Salem Community Church, 7398 Route 235, Mifflintown with Pastor Doug Mellott officiating. Interment will follow at Union Memorial Gardens, Mifflintown.
A closed casket visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral services at 11 a.m. on Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Norma's memory be made to Doug Speece, c/o Lost Creek Trout Club, 841 Tennis Park Road, Mifflintown, PA 17059 in honor of her love of trout fishing and the outdoors.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneral homesinc.com.