"My deepest condolence to Jon, Elliott and Haley on Vema's passing. She was a wonderful friend who I will greatly miss. She was a very dedicated Mom, the stories mentioned at her service were just the tip of the iceberg for all the love she lavished on her family. I worked with Vema at Laporte Hospital and saw first hand what a natural teacher she was. Staff, students, patients and their family members all benefited from her mission that everyone have the knowledge they need to give excellent care and that extended to homecare. She mothered us all and I was very grateful for her shepherding. I was so blessed to know Vema. She is forever in my heart. "
In loving memory of
Vema Lea Sweitzer
May 26, 1951 - November 25, 2022
Vema Sweitzer, 71, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on November 25th, 2022.
Born May 26, 1951, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she spent the first 6 years of her life living on several military bases until settling in Orlando, Florida. She attended the University of Florida where she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing. She then moved to Atlanta where she received her Master's in Nursing from Emery University. While in Atlanta, she met her husband, Jon Sweitzer, and welcomed their son, Elliott. She then moved to La Porte, Indiana where she had her daughter, Haley. She lived in La Porte for almost 20 years before moving to Indianapolis in 2003. She and Jon remained there until 2015 when they moved to Phoenix, Arizona to be closer to her children.
Vema was a loving mother and grandmother of 3 beautiful grandchildren. She spent most of her adult life working as a nurse and nursing professor. She loved reading, teaching her students, and most of all, being a mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Charlotte Vassar, and one sister Caroline. She is survived by her husband Jon, one daughter, Haley Steppig, one son, Elliott Sweitzer, two granddaughters, Violet, and Scarlett Sweitzer, and one grandson Louis Steppig.
Upon her wishes, cremation has taken place, and her remains will be spread at the fountain near the Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis. The family will conduct a memorial service for all at Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery in Phoenix.
Memorials may be made to the Indiana University School of Nursing. Please visit the tributes tab for the live stream link. For flowers, you may contact Floral Impressions at 480-905-8031 or Cactus Flowers at 480-483-9200.