Mary Swartzberg

Family and friends of Mary Swartzberg continue to mourn her loss today. She passed away in her sleep on April 30 with her husband, Allan, by her side. Mary was a gifted innovator of health and social service programs, a painter, mystery writer, gardener, astrologer, and a wondrous gift to all around her. She was born Mary Elizabeth Crosman in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 6, 1947, to Max and Mary Crosman, both of whom died before her. At the age of 17 she was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, where she also worked part time at the Children's Psychiatric Hospital at the University. She was urged to work with emotionally disturbed children by Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson who was impressed with her calming effect on children. Mary graduated and went on to earn an MA in Learning Disabilities from her work at the Children's Psychiatric Hospital, a branch of the University of Michigan Psychiatric Department. The program was an offshoot of Anna Freud's and Erickson's pioneering work in child psychoanalysis in London. She spent the next 11 years working with autistic and schizophrenic children. Mary was told she was the first therapist to send her patients out of the hospital and back into the school system. Mary came to New Mexico in 1977, but found there were no programs or funds for women or children here. So she made some up. She was the co-founder and original clinical director of the Battered Women's Shelter, now known as Esperanza. She started a grief group known as the Attitudinal Healing Center. She made a major contribution when she founded and funded the first trauma center in New Mexico at the University of New Mexico hospital, leading neighboring states and California. At that time, Mary also professionalized emergency medical services by providing the first training and real emergency vehicles for emergency medical technicians. She was very good at obtaining federal funds and monitoring compliance with federal regulations. As the clinical director for the New Mexico State Drug Abuse Bureau in the early 1980s, she was surprised to find the only program for addicts was to give them drugs. She inspired and reformed the system and began to switch the methadone program to acupuncture, a practice that existed in only one hospital in the South Bronx. That program and practice is in use everywhere today. Mary and Allan were instrumental helping found the Marion Center and the arts complex at the College of Santa Fe, now the Santa Fe University of Arts and Design. She was also unique as an astrologer. What was special in her readings were her profound psychological insights and positive, supportive outlook. For years Mary suffered symptoms of a mysterious illness which was finally diagnosed as Lyme disease six years ago. Doctors believe she was probably born with it. Her ability to give to others while struggling to function herself was an inspiration to all who knew her. In her last year she was attended to by many caregivers and household support staff and medical personnel. She was much loved by those who helped her. No matter how much pain she was in, she always asked about others lives and loves, and supported their best selves. Many thought her the finest person they had ever met and surrounded her with much love in return. We are grateful she is free from suffering, but heartbroken over her loss. She is survived by her husband, Allan; her sister, Kay Clifford and husband, John, of Ann Arbor, MI; sister, Shirl Harrington and husband, Steve, of Middleton Springs, VT; brother, Bill Crosman and wife, Liz, of San Jose, NM; nephews: Bill Clifford and wife Deborah, and their new son, Thomas; Colin Clifford, Eric Crosman, and Oisin Harrington; and nieces: Nicki Clifford, Katie Crosman and Sionann Harrington; stepson, Joshua Swartzberg; caregivers: Haide Martinez, Alison Gonzales, Mary McChesney and Erica Contreras. Mary was also loved and supported by: Phyllis Houghton, Tarah Marshall, Krista Hanley, Karen Aikin, Carolyn Schimicci and Elsa Kendall. Two wonderful friends who are nurses supervised her care: Anita Iovino and Maria-Elaina St. John. A private funeral service was held at Temple Beth Shalom. A celebration of her life will be held at the Marion Center at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. For those interested in attending please send an e-mail to aswartzbergmary@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, Mary wished that donations be made to either the Self Realization Fellowship or California Lyme Disease Association. Self Realization Fellowship, 3880 San Rafael Ave., Dept. 9W, Los Angeles, CA 90065-3219. California Lyme Disease Association, Check payable to: CALDA. Mail: CALDA Bookkeeper, PO Box 5658, Marysville, CA 95901. Mary loved most living things--- especially flowers, particularly her roses-- and cats, particularly Baby & Ming. Bon Voyage, Great Soul. Be with God.