Ava Sharon Sword, 37, of Rochester, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at her home from a fatal drug overdose. Ava, like many in our community, was poisoned by the epidemic of drug addiction. Ava's pride and joy were her sons. She would be proud to see their character on display now. Rather than sweep this under the rug, they, and their family, hope to shed light through the darkness of this situation on this problem that is plaguing our community. Ava will be sadly missed by her husband, Jim; sons, Norbert and James, Jr. "JJ"; mother, Sharon Gum; siblings, Tracy Hall of Kent, WA, Kimberly (Bill) Stripling of Greenville, MS and Cathi (Lonnie) Schindley of Bellevue; brother-in-law, Jason (Kim) Sword; sister-in-law, Tina Sword; multiple nieces and nephews and special furry friend "Frieda". Ava enjoyed the outdoors. She liked hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, attending turkey shoots, and camping. She spent many hours playing "Candy Crush" on her phone, and cherished watching her boys play sports. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alva and Mary Behner; niece, Jessica Barron-Bailey and Bobby Sword, who filled the role of a father figure for Ava for nearly 30 years. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the noon service on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Eastman Funeral Home in New London. Burial will follow in Rochester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Eastman Funeral Home in care of the family.

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