Marilyn D. Swab (nee Doyle), 70, of Coral Springs, FL passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015 after a valiant fight with lung cancer. She was born in Skipton, England on October 27, 1945, the first of two daughters born to Richard and Marion Doyle. The Greatest of All Mothers to Christopher D. Swab (Nina), Karen M. Forrest (Rick), and Nicholas A. Swab. She is also survived by her step-son, Donald W. Jacobs (Kathryn) and her grandchildren, Amber, Alexsaundra, Zachary, James, Justin, Kara, Caroline, and Michelle. Her memory will also forever be cherished by her sister, Michelyn Cocker (Geoff); nephew, Stacy Cocker (Kim); niece, Vickie Dunn (Chris); and great nieces and nephew, Lorissa, Leighton, Libby, Ella and Poppy. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steven E. Swab, in 1996.
Marilyn attended Elton Primary and completed her schooling at Beechfield Private High School for Girls. Having a passion for children, she completed her National Nursery Examination Board at Chaseley Field School giving her the certification to work as a Nanny. Marilyn landed a job in the States in 1965 at the age of 19. She traveled across the pond to begin working for a family that lived in Washington, D.C. and summered on Key Biscayne, FL. She has fond memories such as dining with the Rockefellers and shopping on Worth Avenue. It was during her years with them that she met Steve- marrying him in a mere 6 weeks! After the family moved to Thailand, Marilyn went on to run a small daycare/nursery out of her home. Always desiring to return to South Florida, Marilyn and Steve made the move from Kensington, MD to Boca Raton, FL in 1982 with Christopher and Karen in tow. Marilyn gave birth the following year to Nicholas. Steve's career afforded Marilyn one of her greatest joys: being able to be a stay at home mom. Once Nicholas started Kindergarten, Marilyn decided to further her education and started classes at Atlantic Vocational to become a nurse. Upon graduation, she was hired by Manor Care where she remained a dedicated and compassionate employee for over 20 years at the Boca Raton location.
Marilyn's creative side took her into a small business venture in late 80's making custom jackets and t-shirts. She was also talented with a sewing machine, making matching clothes for Karen and her dolls. Her other talents included macram, embroidery, crocheting, and custom painting furniture. A fabulous baker, Marilyn was world-renowned for her rhubarb pie, blackberry and apple pie, and mince pies.
Marilyn was a child of the sun, finding peace and solace with her toes in the sand or laying poolside with a true crime book. There was rarely a day that went by while raising her kids that she didn't hit Deerfield Beach or pop over to the community pool. After Steve died, Marilyn liked to spend time plunking away her pennies on the slot machines at Coconut Creek Casino and going to "oldie" concerts.
She devoted her life to the care and well-being of others. From the children she cared for to her own children, caring for her terminally ill husband and the numerous patients suffering with Alzheimer's Disease, Marilyn never differentiated one from another. She treated them all in the most caring and loving way possible. It brought her happiness to make others happy. She will forever be remembered for her gentle ways and kindhearted soul.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 3:00 P.M. The family has set up a link to view the Service via broadcast if you are unable to attend the services. This link is: http://MarilynSwab60928.CoralSpringsSympathynet.ezwebcast.com/login/user/user179296/password/28db6d09ac82880ae137f06d8e994038 In lieu of flowers, Marilyn desired to have donations made in her memory to American Lung Association. To do so, please visit: https://secure3.convio.net/ala/site/Donation2?df_id=30362&30362.donation=form1&_ga=1.10348849.506071871.1445218433
For those in need of a hotel, please call (954) 227-1300 (Courtyard Marriott Coral Springs) and request the "Bereavement Rate." This is a special rate for families of Coral Springs Funeral Home.