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Submitted: 3/9/23 • Approved: 3/10/23 • Last Updated: 3/13/23 • R1474877-G1474876-S3
September 17, 1947- July 17, 2022
Mable Kirby Swarek , of El Dorado, Arkansas, was born on September 17th, 1947 to Sam and Winnie Kirby. She was the third child of what would soon become ten children.
Being from a large family tethered her to her siblings in a deeper way than usual. Especially "The Sisters" Jeanette, Diane, Dorothy Ann, and ‘The Twins’ Brenda and Linda Kirby. The Kirby Brothers were Bo, Babe, Mike, and Danny Ray.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Tom "Tommy" Swarek, and they had two children, Lisa (Michael) Boothe and me, Tammy (Mark Cook) Swarek. Later, she added two more, Tammy Holmes Michael and Tonya Blackledge McElveen (El Dorado), whom she affectionately called her "other" daughters. Her much adored grandchildren are Amanda (Steadman) Swindle, Jason Boothe, Jennifer (Brian) Carlos, Josh (Jill) Boothe, Jonathan (Kristin) Swarek, Andrew Cook, and Matthew Cook. Great-grands include Jamie Boothe, Ryker Swindle, Grace Swarek, Jaxon Boothe and a new baby boy due in August.
Now comes the best part.
Our mother was obsessed with music. When one of her favorite songs came on, no matter where we were, the biggest smile appeared and the dancing began. Mom would say "let's boogie" whether we were in the grocery store or at home in the kitchen, and we always did. She taught us not to be afraid and to never let what others think stop us from following our hearts and dreams. Mom was a free spirit and a visionary, a calm energy you've always desired to be near. Her favorite songs include That's Just the Woman in Me by Celine Dion; her personal anthem; and Hot Legs by Rod Stewart, which she loved so much that it was the very last thing she forgot. Long after she had forgotten about us, then Spudnuts, in that exact order, due to Alzheimer’s Disease.
She left this world and danced into the next, listening to Elton John's "Your Song" surrounded by love, light, and all her girls, Lisa, Tammy and Tammy-Holmes (aka "The Tammys"), Tonya, and two strong angels on Earth, Nora and Joan. We know her farewell made her proud of all the strong women she helped create. And finally, "80's Ladies" by K.T. Oslin, the theme song for her and her closest friends.
They were rebels with a cause. The Monday Night Spade Club was their name. They were her sisters by choice, and strong women who didn't let anything get in their way. They had to be, according to "Jukin Jewel," member number one, who sang us their favorite lines.
Oh, we burned our bras
And we burned our dinners.
And we burned our candles at both ends.
And we've had some children
Who look just like the way we did back then.
Oh, but we're all grown up now.
All grown up,
But none of us could tell you quite how.
We were the girls of the 50's.
Rock and rollers in the 60's.
Hunny, more than our names got changed,
As the 70's slipped on by.
Now you see why we, her girls, are so strong.
"They were 80's ladies.
There wasn’t much those ladies didn’t try.
They were educated.
They got liberated
And had complicating matters with men.
Oh, they said "I do"
And they signed, "I don’t"
And they swore they’d never do that again."
Lisa, you were her first born and you grew up together. That in itself is a special bond. You were her first baby, and her first baby to have a baby. You and Michael made her a Nana, and she was scared for you both. But your young love proved itself, and she was so proud of the family you created.
I (Tammy) came next, and then she had her hands full. Lisa was the calm one, I was quite the opposite. She saw the fire in my eyes from day one and never stopped fanning my flame. She had such a subtle way of keeping me strong during every difficult step I had to make. We shared a sign, Virgo, and pretty sure we shared a soul too. Personification of to death do us part. She devoted her life to her children, her grandchildren and especially our sweet Matthew. There is no doubt her first task in Heaven will be an autism walk.
Amanda, the first-born baby. She was now a nana way ahead of her time, whose light shined brighter the day you arrived. You see, you ushered in a new generation of strong women that she had fought so hard to create. You were the entire goal, Amanda. You were her prize, and watching you soar was her win in this life.
Jason, her first little boy. She fell in love with your mischievous grin. You were high-octane and she never minded. She knew that would make you succeed one day.
Jennifer, a Shirley Temple of our very own. When anyone asked, "Where did you get those curls?", you would reply, "God gave them to me."
Joshua, the youngest for a while, always dazzled us with his adorable smile... and love of teenage mutant ninja turtles: Cowabunga dude.
Jonathan, Oh Jonathan... the first baby of her baby. There was lightning in the room the day you were born that fused your two hearts. You were the son she never had, the sparkle in her eyes, she was your champion.
Andrew, Our graceful little one. You entered this world with a tiny old soul and a heart that was purer than gold. She rocked you to sleep every night as she held you tight while whispering, "This world is yours baby boy."
Matthew, she shared her birthday with you 50 years apart. Oh, what a beautiful sight you two were. She devoted her life to you, my sweet boy, and always fought for you as hard as I did. I know she ran to God telling Him all about you.
Tammy Holmes, a beautiful little girl the day she met you and instantly fell in love. "My adopted daughter", as she called you. Tam, you couldn’t have been more hers if she had you herself. The relationship between you two has taught us so much more than you know. We learned what true family was, and it wasn’t bound by biology; it was so, so much more. Mom always lit up when you walked into the room. "There’s my girl," she never failed to say as she reached out to hug your neck.
Tonya, the "Twist-tie" daughter. Mom met herself in the mirror the day she met you. I can’t tell you how many "why can’t you be like Tonya’s" I heard throughout my life, but I never minded. I knew what that meant. It was strength of character coupled with ease and peace. It was taking no s**t from anyone, all with a smile and grace. Oh yeah, and you put the twist tie back on the bread.
You see, that was Mom. Whatever we wanted to do and whoever we wanted to be, she was the loudest cheerleader. She thrived by lifting her descendants as high as her little arms could reach, so we could make it to the sky.
I know you didn’t choose to leave us, but just know, "we got this," because you made us so beautifully strong.
A visitation (masks required) for Mable will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Young's Funeral Directors, 508 Champagnolle, El Dorado, AR 71730.
A graveside service (masks required) will occur Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, N Wyatt Drive, El Dorado, AR.
The family asks for any memorials to be made to Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS) P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730
Contributed on 3/9/23 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1474877