Verena A. Sweitzer, a retired registered nurse who enjoyed crafts, died Wednesday of heart failure at Glen Burnie Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 87 and lived in Odenton.

Verena A. Munksgard was born and raised in Irvine, Pa. After graduating from high school, she earned her nursing degree in 1946 from WCA Hospital in Jamestown, N.Y.

Mrs. Sweitzer had worked as a nurse in Florida and Kentucky before moving to Arnold in 1987. She worked at North Arundel Hospital for more than a decade before retiring in 2000.

The former Arnold resident was an avid knitter and enjoyed making ceramics.

Mrs. Sweitzer was an active member of Delmont United Methodist Church in Severn and had been a 60-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also was a member of the Order of the Amaranth.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Barranco & Sons Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park.

Surviving are a sister, Alice Hotchkiss of Newberg, Ore; and a nephew. She was predeceased by her two husbands, Allen Guild and Charles F. Sweitzer.