Mary Swenson

A private family service for Mary Swenson, 75, of Canby, will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Balaton. Mary Helen Swenson passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, South Dakota. Mary was born on August 29, 1944, the first child of Earl and Helen (Berghs) Swenson. Mary grew up in Balaton where she graduated with the class of 1962. She attended Worthington Jr. College and began a career in health care. She had a special place in her heart for the elderly and spent many years as a nurse’s aid in Minneapolis. Mary spent several years in Marshall and then found a welcoming home at Sylvan Court in Canby. Thanks to the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Canby Nursing Home, Mary was introduced to her newest hobby of painting, and enjoyed every minute of it. She took pride in being an Avon lady and enjoyed cooking and sharing her favorite recipes. Mary’s outgoing personality, kindness, and great sense of humor brought her many friends. Family and friends were very dear to her heart and she was especially proud of her nieces and nephews. She was passionate about staying in touch with loved ones and always remembered to send birthday cards. Mary also had a sharp memory and loved to tell stories and reminisce. She was a devout daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and friend. Mary is survived by her brother Doug Swenson of Balaton, his sons: Erich (Kimberly) and their children Quinton and Barret of Arkansas City, Kansas, Chris of Kayce, Wyoming, Seth of Claremont, Wyoming, and Jon of Arkansas City, Kansas; brother Mark (Barb) Swenson of Balaton, his children: Kari (Bill) Gernetz and their children Liam and Ethan of Mankato, Heidi of Evanston, Illinois, and Jeremy of Balaton; sister Jeanne (Kurt) Sieve of Alexandria, her children: Nathan (Sarah) Sieve and their children Liam and Scarlett of St. Michael, Adam (Micaiah Kline) Sieve and their children Claudia and Adrienne of Minneapolis, Andrew (Nina) Sieve of Minneapolis, and Jacob (Katie) Sieve of Minneapolis. Awaiting Mary in Heaven are her parents Earl and Helen Swenson and sister in-law Ginny (Doug) Swenson. Mary’s family will be left with an emptiness that will be filled with the love, joy, and happiness she brought to our lives. Memorials may be sent to the Balaton Historical Society.