Obituary of Terry Lynn Sward

Terri Sward, 62, of Duluth passed away peacefully on Monday, September 25, 2023, with her family by her side. She died from an infection in addition to end-stage kidney failure, heart failure, diabetes and leukemia.

Terri was born in Duluth on November 5, 1960, to Grace (Erickson) and Elmer Sward. Terri was a graduate of Duluth East High School. Terri worked full-time while attending UMD and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration all while assisting her ailing mother. Terri married her longtime partner, Melissa Lagerquist, on September 28, 2013. This is their 34th year together.

Terri worked at HBJ as a Production Manager of a prominent trade magazine. She also worked at United Health Care as an auditor, and at the US Post Office Remote Encoding Center before retiring in 2005. She was a very hard worker and a great team player.

Terri was truly loved by all who knew her. She could turn anything into light-hearted fun. She was always quick with a smile and a funny observation. Everyone who knew her had a funny Terri story. Terri earned many nicknames because of her antics; Boo-boo, Terri Monster, Gambling Goddess because of her luck, Blond Sicilian and Fiero Terri.

Terri was a force of nature, inspirational, and always did things her own way. She loved all things trivia, her flowers, making people laugh, getting a good deal, cars, auctions, antiques, fun and time with her family and friends.

She was smart as a whip and learned to read by 3, also doing multiplication and division before even starting school. She used her resourcefulness to help others. She had a compassionate and loving soul, and she will be greatly missed.

Terri was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Roland Sward and Joseph Sward; and a sister, Judy Surman.

She is survived by her wife; her sisters Jan (Dave) Anderson from Two Harbors and Janene (Uldis) Adamsons from Virginia state; a brother, Roger (Vicki) from Duluth; sister-in-law Lisa (Roland) from Duluth; brother-in-law Bob (Judy) Surman from California; 9 nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be held October 8, 2023, at the Lakewood Community Center from Noon to 4 pm. Refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone in Terri’s honor.