Obituaries

Oda Thea Schwantje passed away September 22, 2013 at the age of 73. She died of natural causes in her home in Niles, California. Oda was born on November 17, 1939 in Swinemunde, Germany. She became a nurse while living in Germany, and in 1969 she moved to Hayward, California with her husband, Werner. She raised her family in Newark, California, where she lived for nearly 20 years, and made many lifelong friends. She and her husband built a home and lived in Prescott, Arizona until they decided to return to California, settling in Sonora. In December of 2012, she moved to her home in Niles, California, living next door to her daughter, Anke.

Oda had a passion for animals, especially her dog Muffy and rooster Big Boy. She had a knack for making her environment beautiful; this was reflected in both her home and her garden, where flowers are abundant. Oda loved the ocean, hiking, and watching nature in our country?s National Parks. She spent many happy hours serving coffee and cake to friends and family, reading magazines and watching the night sky. She touched the people she encountered in her daily life.

Oda leaves, to cherish her memory, her loving children, son Mark Schwantje and daughters Anke Schwantje and Heike Meiners. She has 5 grandchildren, Alec Ferber, Jens, Silke and Kirsten Meiners, and Noah Schwantje. She had a unique and loving relationship with every member of her family.

An informal gathering to celebrate Oda?s life will be held on Saturday, October 5th at 1:00 pm. Those who would like to attend, please call mortuary for location. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to a pet charity or shelter of the donor?s choice.