Rena Swany

Rena Martin Swany, born July 12, 1921, passed away peacefully at Diversicare Health
Care Facility on July 26, 2015, after a brief illness. She moved to Oak Ridge in 1957 to
work for Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies as a Secretary at the Museum of Atomic
Energy. Later O.R.I.N.S. became part of Oak Ridge Associated Universities and she
became a highly respected Office Manager there. She retired from O.R.A.U. in 1985.
In 1940, at age 18, she became Society Editor at the Daily Post Athenian in Athens. TN.
She also attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens. She went on to work at the
Draft Board in Maryville, TN during WWII. She later worked at the University of
Tennessee in the Sciences Department and attended U.T.
Her parents, Albert Washington Martin of Englewood, TN and Callie Jimerson Martin,
also of Englewood, predeceased her in 1978 and 1994, respectively.
She is survived by her sisters Bennie Raper of Englewood, TN and Grace Trew of
Riceville, TN, by two sons David Swany and Stuart Swany, both of Oak Ridge, but was
predeceased by her eldest son Douglas Martin Swany of Savannah, GA.
Survivors also include Grandchildren, Dr. Douglas Martin Swany, Jr. of Bloomington.
IN, Megan Swany of Atlanta, Ga, Cameron Swany of Atlanta, Ga, Vincent Swany of
Winter Springs, Fl, and Caitlin Swany of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by Great
grandchildren Cole Swany and Noah Swany both of Indiana.
She was an exceptional Mother who raised three boys by herself. She was a
compassionate, kind, extremely intelligent person and will be sorely missed. May she be
at peace in Heaven and be with her loved ones who got there before her.
There will be a gathering of family and friends at Martin Funeral Home in Oak Ridge on
Friday, July 31st from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM and a short gravesite service at Oak
Ridge Memorial Park at 2:15 PM.
Since Rena was an animal lover, if anyone wishes to make a donation, please give to the
local Animal Shelter or better yet, adopt a homeless pet.