Mary Sara Oldham's Obituary
Mary Sara Oldham, beloved mother and friend passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79 on December 5, 2025, in Longview, Texas.
Mary was born on January 26, 1946, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Craig Giffen Swauger and Evelyn Knight Aten. Her brother John joined the family six years later. The age difference was enough that she was often the babysitter and always the big sister who loved to play pranks on him and then immediately say “we don’t need to share this with mom.”
Much of Mary’s early life was spent in artistic endeavors. She was an accomplished and creative painter and talented musician who played the piano and for a brief time in college, also the guitar as part of the ‘60s folk movement. Later in life, she enjoyed decorating, and many at Arabella of Longview, where she lived during the last four years, regularly visited her apartment hall to see her work.
Mary lived in the Pittsburgh area with her first husband for nearly two decades, raising her children Connie and Brian and earning an associate’s degree in medical transcription. After moving to Texas, Mary went on to build a career as a medical transcriptionist at the former Longview Cardiology.
Mary met her second husband Bob Oldham in East Texas in the late 80s, starting a never-ending love story which had them celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary a few days before Bob’s passing in 2024. During their marriage, they traveled often including to the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy and Alaska. Besides vacations, Mary enjoyed local motorcycle trips with Bob and could often be seen around town behind the wheel of her Miata with the top down.
A devout Christian, Mary was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Longview. Her faith was not only a personal anchor but also a source of strength she shared with those around her. Mary had a dry sense of humor that was well-known among family and friends and that often brought levity to even the most challenging moments. Her calm strength allowed her to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and to serve as an unwavering advocate for her son to secure the support and resources he required.
Mary is survived by her daughter Connie Helmlinger (John), son Brian, stepson Mark Oldham (Ute), stepdaughter Rebecca Weirich (Stan); grandchildren Felicia Helmlinger, Sarah Aucacama (Jonathan), Matthew Oldham, Sarah Plowman (Lance), Deanna DuBroc (Scott), Adam Weirich, Charity McIntyre, Ashley Pedigo, Logan Pedigo (Katie); brother John Swauger (Cathy); and five great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of her life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Rader Chapel in Longview, TX. A graveside service will be held for family and close friends following the service at Rosewood Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary’s name to First United Methodist Church of Longview, Texas, or to the American Heart Association.
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