Marcelle Swirsky

Marcelle Swirsky of New Paltz, NY died in her sleep at home on April 30, 2014.


She was born on November 6, 1920 in Marseille, France. Growing up, Marcelle sang opera, played piano, accordion and mandolin. She regaled her friends and family as a hostess extraordinaire, cooking gourmet meals complete with cakes and pies. Any holiday became an excuse to create a festive celebration of life. With her enchanting accent, warmth of spirit and true joie de vivre, people found her irresistible, be they colleagues or patients, staff at the farm stand, dentist's, post office, hospital, supermarket. She emanated a genuine interest in and compassion for everyone, offering coffee and homemade cake to the newspaper courier at dawn, asking after everyone's children, and honoring birthdays of even casual acquaintances. Her generosity also included donations to many good causes.


Marcelle married the late Martin Swirsky in 1945 and came to New York City as a war bride. Despite a deep culture shock in the transition from Provence, she was very determined and eventually became an occupational therapy aide. She cared so much for her nursing home patients that she, for example, struck a successful bargain with an elderly man who hadn't gotten out of his wheelchair for an extended time - if he would walk again, she would take him out to dinner. Although not mechanically inclined, Marcelle got a driver's license with the same resolution. Similarly, with much hard work and frugality, she bought a second home in the country to be amidst the flora and fauna that served as a tonic from her life in the city.


Marcelle is survived by her daughter, Madeleine Swirsky, and longtime companion, Checko Miller, of High Falls, NY, as well her her son, Roland Swirsky of Sacramento, CA. She was predeceased by another son, Leon Swirsky, in 1986. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Charlotte Mennona, and grandson-in-law, Robert Mennona. Great grandchildren include Cianna and Veronica Mennona. She is also survived by Charlotte's mother, Marie Bradley.


There will be a celebration of Marcelle's life later in June. Memorial donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice. Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston. Light a candle in memory of Marcelle by visiting www.Keyserfuneralservice.com