Wendy Swain Obituary

Wendy C. Swain

Jan 27, 1962 - May 3, 2023

Sandusky

Wendy C. Swain, 61, of Sandusky, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

She was born Jan. 27, 1962, in Sandusky, to Dwight and Mearian Louise (Fuller) McKenzie Swain. Wendy was a woman of many talents. She could be kind and caring one moment and a total smart-aleck the next. She was fiercely independent and never let anyone push her around. She was quick to dish out advice (even when it wasn't asked for) and always had a sassy comeback up her sleeve. Wendy received her religious education at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she became a member at a young age. She was always the first to offer a helping hand and her faith gave her strength even during life's toughest moments.

Wendy graduated from Sandusky High School in 1981 and led a life filled with adventure, laughter, and some of the best home-cooked meals anyone had ever tasted. Her spaghetti and fried chicken were legendary and no holiday was complete without her culinary masterpieces gracing the table. She took great pride in her cooking and loved nothing more than seeing her loved ones gathered around her kitchen enjoying the fruits of her labor.

She was a devoted mother to her sons, Jonathan (Kristine) Butler of Yorktown, Virginia, and Tion Swain of Sandusky. Wendy was immensely proud of their accomplishments. Wendy was also a doting grandmother to Berkeley and Mia Butler and Kaisha Swain, who brought endless joy and happiness to her life. Wendy is also survived by her sisters, Jackie (Emmett) Phillips of New Jersey and Gwendolyn (Edward) Shy of Toledo; brother, Darrell (Jackie) McKenzie of Sandusky; devoted caregiver, Anna Johnson of Sandusky; a host of in-laws; nieces, Anitra McKenzie, Chardaé Swain, and Latoya Johnson; nephews, Dean Swain Jr., LaDarrell McKenzie Jr., Anthony Redding, Denarea Swain, and DeYon Swain; and many other relatives. In addition to her immediate family, Wendy had a wide circle of friends who knew her as both a loyal companion and a witty critic. She had a sharp tongue and was never afraid to speak her mind, but she also had a heart of gold and would do anything for those she loved. Her infectious laughter and mischievous sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Deborah J. Andrews (in 2005); brothers, Roger McKenzie (2005), Anthony McKenzie (2013), and Dean Swain (2017); niece, Soleta Marsha Van Nostrand (2004); and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Although Wendy could be a handful at times, she will always be remembered as a force to be reckoned with, a woman who lived life on her own terms, and she left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her wit, charm, and spirit, along with her delicious home-cooked meals, will be greatly missed. Her lasting words were "You're gonna miss me when I'm gone, but don't you cry for me!"

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, until the time of Wendy's funeral at 12 p.m. at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.