Obituary
Guest Book
1941
2016
Martha McKinnon was born in Lumberton, NC on April 9, 1941. Martha passed away in hospice in Arlington, VA on October 29, 2016.
Martha grew up in Laurinburg, NC. Her parents were James McKinnon and Martha Murray McKinnon and her younger sister is Ann (McKinnon) Kitzmiller. Martha was very musical (piano, guitar, singing) and a voracious reader. She went to Agnes Scott for college (1963 graduate) and then went to Stanford where she earned a MS English degree in 1965.
Martha married Daniel Swearingen on September 5, 1964. From 1965 to 1967, she was an "Army wife". After Dan's service was completed the young couple moved to Raleigh, NC where Martha gave birth to their first child, Ann, on December 1, 1967. On October 29, 1969 she gave birth to their second daughter, Kirsten. In 1970, Dan took a job at COMSAT and the family relocated to Arlington, VA. In 1980, Martha published a novel If Anything. From 1980 to 1981 the family lived in the UK, where Dan worked for Inmarsat.
In the mid-1980s, Martha taught at Fairlington Methodist Preschool while pursuing her passions for quilting, needlework, and art. In the early 1990s she took a job as a church administrator at Trinity Presbyterian Church, and continued to develop her gifts for quilting, artwork, and poetry. In 1998 she converted from Presbyterian to Episcopalian and joined Church of the Resurrection in Alexandria. Martha was active in her church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday forums, and serving in the healing ministry. She also stayed connected with a group of lifelong friends at Trinity.
Martha retired from her job as St. John's Episcopal Church administrator in 2002. In retirement, she and Dan went on two cruises to Alaska, and made several visits to their West Coast daughters. Ann lives in Seattle and was married in 2011. Kirsten moved back to Fairfax in 2012 with grandchildren, Ella and Barrett. Martha faced numerous health challenges in recent years, but her feisty, optimistic spirit carried her through. She continued to write and create original and vibrant art, including mixed media collages, altered books, and dioramas. Martha loved her friends and family, and was deeply loved in return. She will be missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 13, 2016
Lucy Andrews
Dan, Martha and I were classmates and friends at Agnes Scott. I doubt you remember but I went to a couple GA. Tech football games with you and watched proudly as you played in the band during half-time. It is obvious from the photos that you and Martha had a happy life together and I am so sorry for your loss. I searched for her book but could not find it online.
November 13, 2016
Mary Louise Hunt Schneider
Dear Dan and family,
I knew Martha at Agnes Scott and remember her fondly. God bless you by being with you in your time of grieving.
November 11, 2016
George Kinal
To Dan,the family, and friends. Chrystyna and I extend our condolences and prayers. We shared a number of wonderful meetings and social events, which we recall with fond memories.
Chrystyna and George Kinal (Washington DC)
November 9, 2016
Klaus Neumann
To my dear friend Dan, we are deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your daughters. Paula and I are keeping you in our hearts and prayers.
November 8, 2016
My sincere condolences to Dan and family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Donna Norman
November 7, 2016
Dave & Barbara Lipke
We extend our deepest sympathy to Dan and family at the this sad time. We remember Martha with fondness and as a gifted writer and recall her humorous Christmas notes. You are all in our prayers.
November 7, 2016
Paul Schrantz
Dan and Family,
Our prayers are with you with the passing of Martha. She was with you in your long career at Comsat including your family move to Inmarsat in London. She was always cheerful in taking messages related to Comara News after we retired.
Paul & Sandy Schrantz and your freind Walt McKee
November 6, 2016
Linda Brobst
Martha was a memorably warm and talented individual. My condolences to Dan and their daughters.
November 2, 2016
Vicky Lee
Martha was a dear friend of the golden kind. There are no words for me to describe her loss from the world around us. She was someone so unique, with such spectacular creativity and wit. We loved each other deeply over many years, ever since we met in the choir at Trinity PC, and had a special connection. I will always miss her. My heart goes out to Dan and their daughters.
October 31, 2016
Sarah Hanly
Martha was my second mom. I probably spent more time at her house than my own. She was an amazing, special lady. My condolences to Kirsten, Ann, and Mr. S. I love you all.
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