Alberta Martin Swartz

Alberta Martin Swartz, 60, Jamestown, ND, died June 5, 2019 after years of fighting cancer.

In her own words:  I was born October 31, 1958 which was a Friday Halloween night. When the doctor tried to telephone my dad to let him know he had another daughter, he was not home because he had taken the other six children out Trick or Treating.  I was the seventh of nine children born to Ed (Pepper) and Mary (Doll) Martin.

Growing up in a large family had both good and not so good points: there was always someone to play/argue with, but with 11 people living in a three bedroom, one bathroom house, 11 did get a little hectic, especially when we were older.

I attended Cathedral of the Holy Spirit grade school through 8th grade. I then attended Saint Mary’s Central High School, graduating in 1977. I attended Bismarck Junior College now (BSC) obtaining an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

While in high school, I began my employment at Montgomery Ward and worked there for over 10 years. During this time, my son, Drew was born. I attended a business school and received a Certificate as a Legal Secretary. I worked in this profession for many years until I decided I just hadn’t had enough education. Drew and I moved to Minot, ND where I received degrees in Special and Elementary Education. I taught Special Education in Selfridge, ND for one year and in McClusky, ND for one year. In 2000, I was hired by Jamestown Public School District where I have been employed since as a Special Education Strategist. I received my Master’s Degree in Education from UND in 2009.

I met Mike Swartz from Glenwood, MN on an online dating service and on November 2, 2002 we met in person at the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, ND. It was love at first sight and we were married at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Church in Bismarck, ND on Friday the 13th of August 2004. We spent time at homes in Glenwood, MN and Jamestown, ND with our dogs, Jaxin (deceased) and Franki Jo.

My favorite pastime was to go out to eat to new restaurants and try anything with seafood. I also loved to read and read many books on my Kindle. I hated shopping but did enjoy watching QVC and purchased a few items from them. I enjoyed traveling and loved to fly. I especially loved going to MS to visit Drew. I liked to play slot machines on occasion and spent many afternoons at the casinos in MS.

In the spring of 2002, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Thanks to the wonderful doctors at Mid Dakota Clinic and Fairview University in Minneapolis, MN, I survived and cancer did not reoccur until the fall of 2015. I also survived that. The third reoccurrence came in late 2018.

I am survived by my husband Mike, son Drew Martin, sisters, Patty Thorp, Michele Martin, Deb (TJ) Hopfauf and Carol (Don) Redmann; my brothers, Tom martin, Ken (Bev) Martin and Bill (Paula) Martin. I am also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, some being my favorites (they know who)!

I was preceded in death by my parents, Pepper and Mary Martin, my brother, Dick Martin and my brother-in-law Vern Thorp.

One of my most memorable experiences was given the opportunity to speak with first year medical students at the UND Medical School. I was able to talk to them for two years. I spoke to them about my decision on bequeathing my body to UND Medical Center. I think the biggest reason was I loved teaching and by donating my body, I was given one last opportunity to teach!

Since my body has been bequeathed to UND, there will be no viewing nor services of any kind. In lieu of flowers, please go out to eat and try something new, preferably seafood! If you wish to make a memorial contribution in my name, my favorite charities were St. Jude’s Children Hospital or the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown.