Charlene M. Swartz

Charlene M. Swartz, 73 of Cassopolis, died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones Saturday, April 4, 2026. Her life began December 13, 1952 in Niles, the youngest of three children born to Robert and Charlotte Bowman. She married Wally Swartz November 11, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Char dedicated thirty- eight years to the Cassopolis school system as an elementary secretary and later as the director of transportation. Her two sons remember having to pass her at the front desk if they were called to the principal’s office. She has always been a hard worker, but her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. A grandchild was always in her home. She enjoyed having sleepovers, baking, and crafting with them.

Her loved ones will remember her for her love of gardening, collecting rocks and sea glass, traveling, cooking, spending time at her family cabin, listening to Elvis, and being barefoot whenever possible.

Charlene will be greatly missed by family and friends. She survived by Wally Swartz of Cassopolis; two sons, Chad (Trisha) Knight of Niles, Brad Knight of Cassopolis; one stepson, Sonny (Veronica) Swartz of Niles, four grandchildren, Chelsea (Connor) Olkowski of Decatur, Madison Knight, Abigail Knight, and Ryan Knight; three step-grandchildren, Pearl Swartz of Dowagiac, Logan Swartz, and Luke Swartz; sister, Nancy (Dale) Gleason of Niles; brother, Wayne (Sandy) Bowman of Niles, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her great-granddaughter, Riley Olkowski; and her nephew, Gary Bowman.

Family and friends will gather Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 am in Wagner Family Funerals Connely Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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