Obituary of Marillyn J. Swanson

Marillyn J. Swanson was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 25, 1927 and passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023 at the age of 96. Marillyn was preceded in death by her parents, William & Ide Spafford, and her husband, William Swanson. Marillyn is survived by her niece, Jill Hanson, and nephews, Brian Lindquist, Mark Lindquist, and Bob Schneider.

Mare grew up in Bloomington, MN, and attended the University of Minnesota. She married William Swanson in September of 1950. They spent their years together in Richfield, and later, Burnsville, MN, with many winters in Arizona. Mare continued to independently be a snowbird to AZ for many years after the passing of Billy in 1999.

Throughout their marriage the two of them enjoyed golfing, bowling, and travel. Mare's interests included reading, crafting, gardening, and volunteering at the MN Masonic Home. In addition, Marillyn was an avid dog lover, having six of them over eight decades (Pal, Augie, Willy, Sam, Nado, and Bogey).

Mare will be especially missed by close family members Bob & Sharon, Sarah, John, & Louis, Kevin & Nicole, and Scott & Vanessa. She had her own special feisty way of adding color and humor to our family gatherings, and will be remembered fondly. Mare always had a very positive attitude towards life. Many times she said to all of us "if you can't fix it, don't worry about it". A special thanks to her friends Janet, Jill, Peggy, Karen, Cindy, and Judy for their care, visits, and cards to her during these last two years of her illness. We would also like to thank the multiple staff members involved in Marillyn's excellent care at the MN Masonic Home, Ebenezer Arbor Lane Memory Care, and Minnesota Hospice. We are especially grateful to Ronni of Minnesota Hospice for her compassion, guidance, and understanding that supported us in Marillyn's final days. A private family graveside service will be held in her memory.

May our Aunt Mare now rest in peace.