Marian M. Schwaikert
SALISBURY — Marian Schwaikert passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2022.
Edna Marian Manter was born April 10, 1926, the youngest of six children to the late George Edward Manter and Edna Collamer Manter. She spent her childhood in Buffalo, New York, where she attended public schools and graduated from William Smith College in Geneva, New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Marian pursued a career in microbiology with the pharmaceutical industry until becoming a fulltime mother and homemaker. She married her college sweetheart, the late Ralph Schwaikert, with whom she had three sons. With the leadership and entrepreneurial talent of Ralph, the family renovated the Pocketknife Square buildings in Lakeville and located several family businesses there including a gift shop and restaurant.
Marian was a devoted volunteer in every community she lived. In Salisbury, she was the secretary of the Salisbury Cemetery Board for many years and served as a board member of the Salisbury Visiting Nurses Association. She was a volunteer at the Sharon Hospital and led the hospital Gift Shop for a period of time. Marian was a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal church where she served as clerk of the Vestry and later as Senior Warden. She helped establish the Country Store at Noble Horizons and volunteered there for over 25 years. Marian supported many local and national charities, lending a helping hand wherever needed.
Marian was predeceased by her siblings and former husband. She is survived by her three sons, Allan (Anne), William (Sharie) and John (Martha), grandchildren Peter (Anne), Mathew (Erin), Leah, Emma, John and great granddaughters Mia, Eva and Abby.
Marian was also predeceased by her companion, well known musician Zoltan “Zip” Zantay. She referred to their relationship as a “twenty year bonus of love and companionship.”
A memorial service at St. John’s Church in Salisbury, will be held at a later date.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. John’s Church Memorial Fund, Noble Horizons Auxiliary and Visiting Nurses Association of Salisbury.
