Mary Esther Swanson's Obituary
Mary Esther Swanson, age 97, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023 at the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. She was born January 9, 1926 in Muskegon to August and Santa Panici and was a lifelong resident of the area. Mary married Donald W. Swanson on November 17, 1945 in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on October 29, 2018 after 72 years of marriage. Mary had a very generous heart and found great joy sharing her Italian heritage through homemade spaghetti, cream puffs, bread, pizza – anything she could make with her hands. Her legacy of love for her family and friends will live long beyond her 97 years. Mary’s door was always open and a pot of coffee was always at the ready. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Survivors include her 3 daughters, Louise (David) Randall, Bette (Thomas) Erickson, Barbara Swanson; 7 grandchildren, Shannon (Chad) Wight, Amanda (Robert) Tuck, Mary (Thomas) Marchese, Sarah (Diego) Luna, Angela Curtis, Kyle Moblo, Jillian (Shad) Prechtl; 19 great-grandchildren, Hannah (Cody), Sayge (Collin), Sienna (Nick), Jade, Robby, Gianna, Anthony, Rocco, Onnolee, Diego, Olivia, Julia, Rose, Madeleine, Gretchen, Joel Donald, Vivian, Milo, and Harrison; 4 great-great-grandchildren, Levi, Lana, Brooks, and Braelynn; and her brother, August “Augie” Panici; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don “Bud” Swanson; her parents; 4 brothers and spouses, Michael and Joyce Panici, Orie and Verna Panici, Frederick and Sally Panici, Lewis and Marisue Panici; and 2 sisters-in-law, Judy Panici and Marge Jeffery. Per Mary’s wishes, private family services will be held. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery. For those wishing to make an expression of sympathy, please consider the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. Arrangements handled by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytseamfh.com
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