Norfolk—Marcia Solomon Schwan, devoted wife, loving mother, and artist who resided in Tidewater for nearly 70 years, died on September 21, 2022 at the age of 92.
Born May 12, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland to Dr. Samuel Solomon and Sara S. Solomon, Marcia graduated from the local Park School and in 1951, from Goucher College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While working in the advertising department of iconic Baltimore emporium Hutzler’s, she began dating Henry Maxwell Schwan, a young attorney serving in the US Army at nearby Aberdeen. The couple married September 11, 1955 in Baltimore and soon settled in Henry’s hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Always at Henry’s side, Marcia provided constant love, encouragement, and partnership throughout their 66-year marriage. Together they shared a deep devotion to their four children, in whom Marcia instilled a commitment to character and a love of beauty.
Art was a defining element in Marcia’s life—a passion that began in childhood, continued through her school years and winning first prize in a competition hosted by The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, and endured across the decades. While painting daily in her home art studio, Marcia audited classes at Old Dominion University taught by the late artists Charles Sibley and Norman Goodwin, who became friends as well as mentors. Marcia developed cherished friendships with numerous fellow artists locally, and some of her works were presented alongside theirs at museum and gallery exhibitions.
Marcia served on the board of the local Girl Scouts of the USA and as president of the Ohef Sholom Sisterhood. She was a lover of poetry and of books, devouring novels and mysteries. She was equally a fierce competitor on the tennis court in local tournaments and shared her husband’s love of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and the lakes and rivers of Maine.
Marcia consistently tamed the New York Times crossword puzzle, especially relishing the legendarily difficult Sunday tests, and she was a marvelous cook, known for her splendid desserts. She could always be seen walking her Bedlington Terriers, of which she raised and loved a number across the years.
In addition to her late husband, Henry, who died on February 2, 2022 at age 92, Marcia is predeceased by her older brother, Dr. David Solomon of Baltimore.
She leaves behind her beloved children, Elisabeth of Philadelphia; Andrea of New York City; Henry, Jr. of Framingham, Massachusetts (wife Nancy and daughter Martine); and Lucille Schwan Joergens of New York City (husband Thomas Joergens and children Jacob, Benjamin, and Olivia). She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews (Michael Solomon, Dr. Robert Solomon, Dr. Laurie Solomon, Kathy Solomon; Linda Hecht Schwartz, and Mark Hecht).
A loving mother, artist, and friend, Marcia will be deeply missed.
Funeral services were private. The family wishes to thank the staff at Beth Sholom Village and Suncrest Hospice for providing Marcia excellent care in her final months. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be sent to the family through hdoliver.com.