Mariem was born to Virgy and Charles Swain in Beaver Dam, WI September 17, 1942. In her younger years Mariem was an excellent artist and pianist. She would play Christmas carols for her children. Frosty the Snowman was a family favorite. I can still envision her singing, "thumpity thump, thump, look at Frosty go" with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth.

She raised 3 kids on her own, when it wasn't popular to do so. Mariem fought hard for equal pay and believed in women's rights. She was employed at Fitzsimons for approximately 25 years as a medical transcriber.

Mariem loved her family, coffee, chocolate, and cats – in that order! She enjoyed studying the bible and attending mass on Saturdays or Sundays. She really enjoyed the Friday fish fries during Lent.

She suffered from dementia during the last 5 years of her life. She didn't speak many words but would often reach for a hand to hold and give the best hugs. She would mouth "I love you" and always smiled when family came to visit her.

In summary, Mariem was smart, beautiful, funny, and a genuine sweetheart.

It's difficult to sum up 81 years in a single document, but I hope everyone who knew her will read this and think, yep that's Mariem all right!

Meriem is survived by son Jeff, daughter Jennifer, cousins, John Niemeyer & Charles Swain, her nephews, Mike, John, & Paul, their wives, and great nephew, Marcus. Her grandchildren, Michelle, Tara, Meagan & Brian. Her great grandchildren, Joseph, Kayla, Lily, Londyn, Matthew, & Greyson. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, sister Charlene, brother-in-law, Ted, and son Charles (Chuck).

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 2:00pm at Evergreen Cemetery in the Chapel,1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.