Marilyn R. Swanson

Marilyn R. Swanson (nee Heaton) of Port Washington, Wisconsin (formerly of Cedarburg), passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. She was 85 years old. Marilyn was born to Lawrence E. and Mildred E. Heaton of Dubuque, Iowa on August 13, 1931. Marilyn was at the Sisters of Notre Dame convent with aspirations of dedicating her Life to Christ and becoming a nun. Due to an illness she left the convent at 18 years of age. She then met Clarence Swanson from Escanaba, Michigan, whom she married on October 8, 1955. Marilyn will always be remembered for her love of family, smile, and sense of humor. She was not only a homemaker but enjoyed waitressing where she could interact and enjoyed people. She crocheted and knitted endlessly making beautiful gifts for family and friends. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards and doing word puzzles. Marilyn is survived by her five sons; Keith (Carla) Swanson of Niagara, Wisconsin; Kenneth (Shirley) Swanson of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin; Neil (Joan) Swanson of Gilbert Arizona; Raymond (Ellen) Swanson of Grafton, Wisconsin; one daughter; Linnea Ernster of Saukville, Wisconsin and Daniel (Jane) Swanson of Coral Gables, Florida. Marilyn is further survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as many family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held this Saturday, August 5, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, at 11:00 AM with a viewing from 9:00 until 10:45 AM. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Grafton, WI. Special thanks to the staff at The Harbor Club in Port Washington for their dedication and care over the past several years and Vitas Hospice Care, especially this week, for the TLC they gave to Marilyn and sharing their knowledge and professionalism with our family.