Dorothy Marie (Makle) Swann, 86 of Indian Head (Pisgah), Maryland.

On December 9, 2018, the family said goodbye to Dorothy, age 86, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. Born in Gallant Green, near Hughesville, Dorothy spent her life in Maryland where she married Neale Swann and raised her children and grandchild. Devoted to raising her children, she never had a desire to work far away from home, such as traveling to Washington, D.C., for better opportunities as many others did.

After working many years in munitions (building military weapons and ammunition) at the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, she transferred to Drafting and Design. Dorothy created military designs by hand, long before the computer age. She worked in that position for more than 25 years and as soon as it was possible to do so, retired at the age of 60.

Shortly after retirement, she faced a serious bout with cancer, but survived to give the family another 20 years of selflessness. Once recovered and not taking another day for granted, she lived for family gatherings and for each spring to plant flowers and tend to her gardens until late fall. Dorothy loved visiting places in Washington, D.C., such as the U.S. Botanic Garden (flowers and more flowers) for inspiration and the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown.  She worked on her flower gardens until the end.

She was an avid shopper and always took pride in her appearance. At about the age of 82, she purchased a new sports car and was seen burning up the streets of Maryland (a little too fast some said). Never owning a credit card, Dorothy paid for everything in cash.

She is predeceased by her parents, James and Marie E. Makle, sisters, Ann Datcher and Helen Matthews, brothers, Joseph Makle and William Makle.

In addition to her husband, Neale, Dorothy is survived by her children; Andrew Makle, Jerianne Lewis, Brennan, Patrick, Terrence, Keith, Leah Swann and Robin Makle-Swann; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, James and Thomas Makle, sisters, Jerilyn Makle, Gladys Wade, Charlotte Hemsley and Mildred Morris and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Viewing, 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, St. Mary's Bryantown Catholic Church Cemetery, 13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, Maryland 20617.