VIRGINIA M. SWILLEY

1935-2017

Virginia M. Swilley (Jinny/ Sister George Marie), 82, began her final journey home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Born in Easton, PA February 10, 1935 to George and Emma Schrack, her family moved to Texas when she was an infant. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Laird; sisters-in-law Catherine Swilley and Johnine Doutt. She had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews all whom she loved very much and said were her own children and a network of close friends she loved dearly. Jinny is preceded in death by her parents, husband, George C. Swilley; 4 brothers-inlaw; and her beloved dogs. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, aunt, teacher, and forever friend.

After graduating from Incarnate Word Academy in 1953, she joined the Dominican Convent and took the name Sister George Marie (1953-1979) and became a teacher instructing at Sacred Heart Convent, Houston; Sacred Heart, Galveston; All Saints, Houston; St. Mary’s, Galveston; St. Pius X, Beaumont; and St. Augustine, Houston. In 1970, she completed a Masters in Clinical Social Work assisting children with Cerebral Palsy and their families, abused and neglected children in CPS, and troubled teens in treatment programs. Jinny then entered private practice, counseling individuals and families. Jinny married George in 1975 and they began an adventurous love story.

Jinny was a faithful volunteer at Texas Children’s Hospital for five years where she served as Spiritual Caregiver for children in the Progressive Care Unit, a Unit reserved just for Jinny. Jinny also volunteered at Forgotten Angels in Pearland, an organization that helped individuals living with disabilities. She loved traveling and took up hunting and fishing with George, eventually out-fishing him. She was a devoted gardener, an excellent cook, and gracious hostess at frequent dinners for family and friends. She never let anyone’s birthday pass without celebrating. Jinny especially loved her dogs Lobo, Beau, and Cocoa.

Fr. Bill Oliver will preside at a Rosary and Vigil scheduled for Sunday, May 21, from 6:00 to 7:30pm at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 East 10th Street, Houston, Texas 77008. Monsignor Adam McClosky will officiate at the Funeral Mass scheduled for Monday, May 22 at 10:30am at the Dominican Convent Chapel, 6501 Alemeda Rd, Houston, Texas 77021. A reception following the service will be at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casa Juan Diego, P.O. Box 70113, Houston, TX 77270 or the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 6501 Alemeda Rd, Houston, TX 77021.