Bessie Swain Wischmann

Bessie Swain Wischmann, 94, of Meadville, died Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community following a period of declining health.

She was born December 15, 1916 in Columbus, GA, a daughter of James H. and Maude Brooks King.  She had been married to Dewey C. Swain and subsequently married Alonzo Wischmann September 11, 1966.  He preceded her in death September 7, 1991.

Bessie was employed as a machine operator at the Archer Hosiery Factory, Columbus GA for 30 years.  She subsequently worked at Talon, J.C. Penney Co., Montgomery Wards, Mayfair Store, Meadville City Hospital, Crawford Central School District, and was a child care provider for various local physicians.

She was a member of First Baptist Church.  She loved southern cooking and preparing southern meals for her family and also enjoyed doing yard work over the years.

Survivors include a son, Robert Swain of Erie; four grandchildren, Diane, Tina, Dawn, and Donna; ten great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and a niece, Julie Barefoot.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Dewey A. Swain; a sister, Marie Cooper; and a nephew, James Hutcherson.

Calling hours will be Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where the funeral and committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Gerald Walton, Pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 446 Pine St., Meadville, PA
16335 or Make-A-Wish-Foundation, 1001 State St., Suite 502, Erie, PA 16501.

Share your memories or condolences at waidfuneralhome.net.