Mary Bowden Swain, age 96 of Wilmington, formerly of Burgaw, died Wednesday December 14, 2011 at Cornelia Davis Health Care in Wilmington.

Mary was born June 15, 1915 in Pender County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland and Eloise Saunders Bowden; her husband, Truman Porter Swain Sr.; son Robert B. Swain; grandson, Richard P. Luckett; sisters, Ruth B. Batts, Margaret B. Powell, and brother, Albert Bowden.

Surviving are children, Truman P. Swain Jr., Annie S. Barnhill, Sally S. Luckett, Nancy S. Philips, and a brother, Lemuel T. Bowden (Irene); 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Mary was a long-time member of Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Burgaw. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm Monday December 19, 2011 at Saint Josephs Catholic Church. A rosary will be prayed at 1:30 pm before the Mass.
The family will receive friends immediately following in the parish hall.
Very special thanks are extended to Dr. Fretwell and her staff for twelve years of exceptional care, and the staff of Davis Health Care.
I lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Saint Josephs Catholic Church 1303 Hwy 117 S. Burgaw, NC 28425