Charles Swan Obituary

When I think of my Uncle Charlie - my Godfather - I smile.

His faith was awe-inspiring. Even in the last few years with memory issues, he would tell me, "I pray for your family daily." He always made the effort to attend the big events in our lives - parties, celebrations - making guests and friends he didn´t know feel welcome and comfortable. He flew in for my parents´ 50th wedding anniversary and my Dad´s 75th birthday. He once told me, "I feel so close to your family. When something good or bad happens to any of you, I feel like it´s happening to one of my own children."

As a child, every holiday included visits with Uncle Charlie and family and we were always so sad when the visits had to end. In 1975, when I was 9 years old, he took me to downtown Chicago and up to the top of the Sears Tower - the only time I´ve ever been there. We stood in front of The Picasso at Daley Center, and he asked me what I thought it was. I said, "A lion," and he said, "people think it looks like a woman" and we had a long conversation about it. As a kid, he made me feel like my opinion truly mattered. As an adult, we went a few times to Saturday night Mass at St. Peter´s, followed by hot chocolate at Starbucks, just sitting and talking. So many years ago, but such wonderful memories.

He was a true Catholic who lived his faith. He helped everyone who asked - even when he knew it would negatively impact him years down the road. His life had its ups and downs, but his faith never wavered. After retiring from both jobs, he attended Mass five or six times a week. My mom remembers that even when he was sick, he still walked to church because he never wanted to miss. My parents chose the right Godfather for me in him - he led by example. The church could count on him, too. He volunteered as a bingo caller, helped at the yearly carnival and worked with the St. Vincent de Paul donation drive, just to name a few.

After Rosey´s funeral mass, there was a procession outside of the church with us singing, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom," over and over. I was walking behind Uncle Charlie. His voice was the loudest - clear and strong. This was his daughter´s funeral, and he was singing, calling out to Jesus. His faith was never shaken.

Mom said after hearing of his passing, "Charlie, we will pray for you, and you pray for us." He just received Communion last week and Last Rites a few months ago. I truly believe the Pearly Gates were wide open for him - with Jesus and Mary and Joseph, all those he helped and prayed for, and family waiting to welcome him into eternal rest. No more pain. No more tears. No more limitations of body or mind. Just love and happiness, ecstasy, peace and joy.

He fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. He deserves the reward promised. May he rest in peace.

Sue Swan