Marie A. (Nelsen) Sword

Marie A. Sword passed away Monday, September 21, 2015 following a long illness.  She was born April 1, 1926 in Sydney, Nebraska, the youngest of four children of Louis P. and Tinnie Trulock Nelsen.  She was a loving daughter, a caring wife, and a proud and devoted mother.

Marie moved with her mother to Nampa where she attended school, and was married in 1941 to Leon Sword.  Together they raised three daughters.  Marie happily adopted Nampa as her hometown, and often remarked, “Why would anyone leave Nampa?  It has everything you could want here.”

Marie exhibited an appreciation and talent for art very early in life, and became adept, as well, in the crafts of crocheting and embroidery.  Her varied handiworks live in the homes of all her family members.  She loved gardening and tending her flower beds and roses.  She participated in camping and fishing outings with her family throughout her life, taking time to teach her children the fine art of skipping rocks on Lake Lowell.  She especially enjoyed huckleberry picking with her grandchildren, and with Bessie, her grand-dog who adored her.

Marie loved music, particularly “peppy” tunes and musicals, and she frequently (and exuberantly) would delight others with her favorite, “When the Saints Go Marching In,” played on her small organ.

No one can count the scores of bushels of grapes she gave to others from her vines.  However, the resulting juices (and occasional batch of wine) were much enjoyed over the years.  Sharing was paramount with Marie.  She was a good neighbor.

As an adult, Marie worked in the geriatric care-giving professions including positions at a nursing home, at an assisted-living facility, and occasionally in the homes of seniors.  Her care for others was notoriously compassionate and gentle.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters and a brother.  She is survived by her three daughters, June Beverlin, Bonnie Pilcher, and Tina Lawhead; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday September 28, 2015 at the Latter Day Saints Eighth Ward, 11288 Roosevelt Ave. in Nampa. Burial will follow in the Kohlerlawn Cemetery, Nampa. Services are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

The family suggests that in lieu of sending flowers, a charitable gift could be given to Music Theatre of Idaho in Nampa.

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