Elsa Mae Swisher

Elsa Mae Swisher (née Ingram), age 90

July 28, 1935 – March 28, 2026

Elsa Mae Swisher, lovingly known as Mae, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026 with her loving niece, Helen June Bock, by her side. She was born on July 28, 1935, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to her late parents, John William Ingram and Charlottie Mae Ingram (née Estep).

Mae grew up on her beloved family farm in Fairmont, West Virginia, where she developed a lifelong love for home, family, and the simple joys of Appalachian living. She graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1954, where she met her husband, Marion Lawrence Swisher. Their marriage was one of deep devotion and partnership, lasting 56 years until his passing in 2010.

During Marion’s faithful 20-year career in the United States Navy, Mae embraced the adventure of military life, moving with her family to many places, including Washington, New Jersey, Florida, and eventually Maryland. In 1973, they settled into retirement and created a warm and welcoming home on St. George’s Island, a place where family and friends were always greeted with open arms. Though she made homes in many places, her heart always remained rooted in her beloved home state of West Virginia.

Mae was the heart of her home. She was known for her incredible cooking and baking, and her kitchen was a gathering place filled with laughter, singing, storytelling, and the comforting aromas of meals made with love. Together, she and her husband proudly owned and operated Swisher’s Seafood for many decades, serving their community with dedication and pride.

She found joy in tending to her gardens, nurturing her especially beautiful roses, sharing laughs at bingo games, and keeping everyone smiling with her quick wit and warm sense of humor.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marion; her brothers, Hobert Ingram, Clarence Ingram, William (Bill) Ingram, James (Hershel) Ingram and her sisters, Dorothy Lipscomb, Vivian Carroll, and Goldie Copen; and three young siblings she never had the honor of meeting, Thomas, Ruby, and Velma.

She is lovingly survived by her two sons, Larry Swisher of Pine Island, Florida, and his beloved wife, Kathy, and Michael Swisher of Piney Point, Maryland; her cherished granddaughter, Rachel Baxter (née Swisher) of Beaufort, South Carolina, her husband Jordan; and her three great-grandchildren, Keegan, Adelyn, and Everly, who brought her endless pride and joy. She is also survived by her devoted niece and caregivers, Helen June Bock (née Ingram), and her partner, Scott Foster, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Mae will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, her unwavering love for her family, and the comfort she created wherever she went. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down, the meals she lovingly prepared, the gardens she nurtured, and the family she held so close.

All services will be private.

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