Marcia O’Sullivan (née Swantko), 77, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 1, 2025. Marcia was born on March 14, 1947, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Albin and Margaret Swantko. She graduated from Hammond High School and later attended art school in Chicago, where she began cultivating her lifelong passion for creativity and artistic expression.
Marcia raised her three kids—son Brian and twin daughters Eileen and Carolyn—in Munster, Indiana. During this time, she worked for many years at Community Hospital, balancing her career with her devotion to her family and friends. Later in life, Marcia relocated to Valparaiso, where she focused on her health, faith, artistic endeavors, which included being involved for years with the Duneland Weavers Guild & Chesterton Art Center.
Despite her kid’s encouragement to move to a place with milder summers and winters, Marcia remained steadfast in her love for Northwest Indiana, where she lived her entire life; she loved to watch the seasons change. Marcia’s friends and family will remember her for her passionate spirit, warm and loving nature, and deep pride in her children and grandchildren. She was a strong, creative woman who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Marcia is survived by her son, Brian O’Sullivan (Mary); her daughters, Eileen Ross (Brian) and Carolyn Martinez; and her grandchildren, Felix, Riley, Phoebe, and Brandon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albin and Margaret Swantko; her brothers, Greg and Frederick Swantko; and her sister, Marjorie Sakal. Marcia’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones, who will cherish the warmth, humor, and love she brought into their lives.
A visitation will be held Thursday from 3 – 7 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 am Friday at the funeral home with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Crown Point.
GUESTBOOK
My heart goes out to you, Brian, Eileen and Carolyn. So much of my childhood was built on the love your mom showed me when we’d come stay with you. It was always a happy time when we were all together. I will carry so many memories of her for the rest of my days (Tom & Emily, the sticker-covered fridge, the chapstick out the car window and so many more). May her memory be a comfort to you all in the days ahead. So much love, -Rachel Sprovtsoff
What a vivacious, talented woman Marcia was! Had her health issues not been present, she would have ben even MORE creative, kind, and considerate. Rest in Peace Marcia, tell Kathy , Teena, Pat , and the other weavers Hi for me. Till we meet again. -Sherron Pampalone
