OBITUARY: Mary Switzer

Mary J. Switzer: June 2, 1928 to April 2, 2018

Mary Switzer was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was devoted to her husband of 50 years, Harold E. Switzer. He preceded her in death in 2000 and welcomed her to heaven this week. 

Mary was born June 2, 1928, in Saugus, Massachusetts. Her father, Robert F. Gulledge worked at Esso, and her mother, Irene, was a housewife. After moving away from home, she worked for U.S. Navy Department in downtown Washington, D.C., and at the annex in Arlington, Virginia. She was a receptionist and secretary while working for the Navy. She lived in Arlington Farms, which is now part of the Arlington Cemetery, where 10 dormitories were built to house women who were recruited by the U.S. Civil Service Commission to work government jobs in and around D.C. During her time in D.C. area, Mary also worked in the Maryland and Virginia school systems. Later, she was a Senior Personnel Administrator for Computer Science Corporation in Arlington. 

After she married in 1950, she had three children, Wayne (Janet), Pam and Marie Brodmerkel (Tom). Transfers with the U.S. Navy moved the family to Patuxent River, Maryland, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, Hawaii, San Diego, California, and Washington, D.C. Her husband Harold retired after 20 years in the service and went to work for the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. 

She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of four grandchildren: Steven Switzer (Kerrie), Kevin Switzer (Heather), Amanda Brodmerkel (Eric) and Jason Brodmerkel (Kyra). She loved them all and was delighted when the family increased to include six great-grandchildren: Claire, Lydia and Owen Switzer, Ava and Sadie Switzer and Gunnar Wertz. 

We, her children, feel incredibly blessed to have had such a kind, gentle soul to give us guidance and love. Lay down your burdens and rest in peace, Mom. Have fun in heaven with Dad. 

Memorial services were held Friday, April 6, at Baywoods in Annapolis, Maryland. A private graveside service was held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Gotha.