Carol A. Swaney

Dates: Birth date: September 21, 1943 Death date: August 09, 2010

Obituary: Carol passed away a few minutes after midnight on Monday, August 9 with her family at her side. Carol succumbed to the effects of strokes she suffered on July 9 and 12. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Michael, son Patrick, son Steven and his wife Amy and two grand children Josephine and Alina, her sister Gracie Million and husband Brian Kline, and her sister Irene Haefele and husband Ray. Carol is preceded in death by her infant son William and her mother and father, William and Marjory Million.

Carol was born in Wichita, Kansas. She grew up in Derby, Kansas and graduated from Derby High School. On May 22, 1962, Carol eloped with her high school sweetheart Michael. Carol and Michael lived in Wichita, KS until they moved to Emporia, KS in 1970. Carol was active there in the First Baptist Church and led a youth fellowship group with Mike. Carol also attended Emporia State University to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy. In the late 70’s Carol discovered her lifelong passion, distance running. At the age of 35 she competed on Emporia State’s cross country team. In her second year on the team they placed second at the NAIA National Championship meet, where she placed 38 overall and 4 out of 8 on the team.

In December of 1981, the family moved to Belleville, Michigan and then in 1983 to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Carol graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. In her career she worked for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Sparrow Hospital and at The University of Michigan Hospital.

Carol’s career in running included three appearances in the Boston Marathon, as well as many other marathons, over 30 ultra marathons including eleven 50 mile events and one appearance in the Western States 100 Mile Trail Race, where she finished with a time of 29 hours and 42 minutes. She was a member of the Ann Arbor Track Club for 30 years and participated in many running groups. Her running friends were part of her extended family and she cherished every moment she was with them. Carol spent many hours running the Potawatomi Trail with her friends. Carol was a fierce competitor and a mentor to many in the running community. On May 16, 2010 Carol was honored for her lifetime contributions to the Ann Arbor running community at the For Women Only 5k run held at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Carol will remain in our hearts, in our memories, and in the inspiration her life brings to all.

Visitation: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wedesday, August 11, 2010 Nie Family Funeral Home - Liberty Rd. Chapel 3767 W. Liberty Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Service: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2010 Nie Family Funeral Home - Liberty Rd. Chapel 3767 W. Liberty Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103