Margaret "Marge" Ann Najarian

Margaret “Marge” (Pilliod) Najarian, age 89, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away on December 5, 2014 at Swanton Health Care.

Marge was born March 26, 1925 to the late Norbert and Ann (Jungwirth) Pilliod in Swanton. She was a lifelong resident of Swanton and was proud to call the Village her home. Marge was also a lifelong member of St. Richards Catholic Church. Until her death, she held the record as a member of the church longer than any other woman.

After her graduation from Swanton High School, in 1943 Marge married Ray Najarian. With her blue-eyes, blond hair and fair skin she was certainly a stand out in her new family of dark-eyed, dark haired Armenian relatives. Marge had an immediate amazing “clan” of loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved as much as her own family. She immersed herself in the Najarian family.

Together, Ray and Marge built a successful produce business on Airport Highway just west of Swanton, “Najarian Produce”. All of their girls had a part to play in helping their parents succeed. They learned the value of teamwork and hard work.

After all the girls were raised and educated, Marge followed her dream. At the age of 45, she went to the University of Toledo and became a Registered Nurse working for years in the Swanton area.

Marge enjoyed traveling, including a European trip to visit farms in Europe and a Caribbean cruise. She also enjoyed visiting family, reading the Toledo Blade and Swanton Enterprise, planting flowers in her yard, cooking for family gatherings, and shopping for “deals”. Family members and charities were often the recipients of her shopping excursions. She continued to stay close to and have lunch with special friends from high school. She was the family historian and remembered birthdays, anniversaries and other notable history for her large family.

Throughout the years, Marge was involved with many charities including Campfire Girls, Catholic Ladies of Columbus and the Ladies Altar-Rosary Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; and son-in-law, Jim Cannaley. Marge is survived by her daughters, Pamela Blewett, Andrea (Clayton) Warling, Linda Cannaley, Laurie (Walter) Jennings, and Amie (Paul) Secord; eight grandchildren, Leslie Beck, Margie (Tarek) Dernaika, Aaron (Karie) Rowan, Donny (Milly) Beck, Adam Rowan, Holly (Trent) Gould, Michael Jennings, and Sarah Jennings; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Sally (Wayne d. 2009) Lenfesty; brothers Bob (Sadie d. 2000) and Fred (Laura) Pilliod; and many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to express their gratitude to the many very special people who have cared for Marge over the past several years. Those who added happiness to her last years and those who added comfort to her last days will always be remembered.

Family and friends may visit Sunday, December 7th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home, 204 Chestnut St. in Swanton (419.826.2631), where a Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday, December 8th, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, where a Mass of Resurrection will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Dan Zak presiding. Interment will follow at St. Richard’s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Richard’s School Endowment Fund, 333 Brookside Dr., Swanton, OH 43558. The fund is used to provide tuition assistance for families in need.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Sunday, December 7th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Mass of Resurrection: Monday, December 8th at 10:30 am at St. Richard Catholic Church

Interment: St. Richard's Cemetery