Mary Eva Swanson, age 74, formerly of Sugar Grove, Illinois, and a current resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. Mary was born in Providence, Rhode Island on February 3, 1945. She worked for United Airlines and then as a travel agent for the majority of her career. She raised her family in Bristol, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and enjoyed her time up north before fulfilling her dream of retiring to Florida in 2014. She is survived by her two daughters, Eve Phillips (Christopher) and Diane Robben (Keith), and four grandchildren, whom she adored: Jack and Alex Phillips, and Allison and Madison Robben. She is also survived by her loving sister, Cheryl Didier (Michael) of Paxton, Illinois. She absolutely loved being a grandmother, mother and sister, and her heart was overjoyed spending time with her family.
While in Tarpon Springs, Mary enjoyed shopping, baking rum cakes for everyone, and doing for others. Whether she was making dinner for friends, helping to organize community picnics or setting up for bingo, she enjoyed her time here in Florida. She had many friends at her community who embraced her quickly and became dear friends within a short time of her moving here. Friends often visited her cat Sophie, who could be found on the lanai watching geckos.
Mary had a part-time job as a school crossing guard for Pasco County Sheriff’s Department. She enjoyed seeing the kids, and visiting with the local business owners, all of whom will miss her.
The family is honoring Mary’s wishes for a private ceremony in July where they will spread her ashes at sea.
4 Comments
Jim and I are just saddened by the loss of your precious Mom! As we’ve said before, we have such fun memories of our time in Bristol with your Mom, Dad, you kids and our neighbors! It’s a blessing and a tribute to your folks to see how close you both are. Family is the best!! Hugs to you both!
You will be missed Mary.
To Diane and Evie, sorry Eve, you will always be Evie to us……..We cannot put into words how we feel in the loss of your Mom. We have so many memories with your family and ours. Mary will be missed as we remember her and the adventures we shared. Your Mom was a prized neighbor (rum cake), a conscientious co-worker, and always a good friend. Yes, she always enjoyed kids. and you both gave her, her most treasured gifts. The gift of her grandchildren. They will not forget her as she tried to be part of their young lives whenever she could. She loved her family and is with you always, just look at the stars and in your hearts. Look at the beach, a kitty cat, a laughing child, she is there to remind you. Smile!
Dear Eve and Diane,
Please accept my sincere condolences. It was my privilege to know and work with your mother. She had a great sense of humor and was so much fun! She loved you and was very proud of having such accomplished daughters. Of course, she delighted in her grandchildren! I know you’ll miss your mother, but hope you can find solace in your memories of her. Warm regards to you and your families.
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