Eileen Swanson

Edith Eileen Swanson, 87, was born August 19,1935 in Long Island City, New York and passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023. She was adopted at a young age and was raised by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Peckham in Westerly, Rhode Island. She served 2 years in the Navy after graduating high school in 1953. Eileen married Charles Richard (Stu) Steward on December 15, 1956 in Westerly, Rhode Island. After Stu's passing in 1994, Eileen married Lloyd Swanson on June 2, 1998. Eileen is survived by her husband, Lloyd; children (and their spouses): son Steve Steward (Robin), son Scott Steward (Rebecca), daughter-in-law Deedra Steward, stepson Mark Swanson (Susan), and stepson Michael Swanson (Gwen). She is also survived by her grandchildren (and their spouses): Garrett Steward, Jacob (Abby) Steward, Allison Steward, Sarah (Dean) Huffine, Jason Steward, Jared Steward, Sydni (Logan) Barnett, Samantha (Julian) Aguilar, Morgan Johnson, Jarrett Swanson, Sam (Adrieana) Swanson, Meaghan (Vincent) Hinkle, and Joshua Hill. She had 10 great grandchildren: Parker, Sam, Jovie, Enzo, Zeppelin, Hollis, Angel, Maiya, Koree and Kinzee. Eileen is also survived by 2 brothers-in-law, Jerry (Tammy) Steward and Tommy Steward, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Eileen was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Peckham; a brother and 2 sisters; husband, Stu Steward; and her youngest son, William (Glen) Steward.

Eileen was a devoted wife and mother, and her family was always the most important thing to her. As the wife of a Navy submarine man, she raised 3 boys by herself several months of the year for many years as Stu was deployed. She started working with Chick-fil-A while living in Charleston, SC. This ultimately led to Stu and Eileen owning and operating the Chick-fil-A franchise in Heritage Park Mall for 10 years. They both retired to enjoy numerous camping trips in their RV. Eileen also served as a volunteer at the Cancer Center in Midwest City.

Eileen was a member of Meadowood Baptist Church and attended until she and Lloyd’s health prevented them from doing so. She was a great host and always looked forward to having friends and family in her home. We will all miss the annual Christmas gathering at her home where there was always plenty of fun and food. Included on the menu were some of her (our) favorite items: winter salad, orange mandarin cake, cherry crunch and meatballs.

Lloyd and Eileen loved to travel, often on their Gold Wing motorcycle, trike or Chevy SSR. We have fond memories of the cruise we took with mom for her 80th birthday. This was a major accomplishment since anyone that knew her knew she was terrified of being in or on the water. She later told us she was ready to do another cruise. Just 2 years ago, the family took a 10-day road trip to a SSR rally in Deadwood, South Dakota returning thru Pikes Peak in Colorado.

Eileen’s high school yearbook spoke of her in 1953, and this still holds true today: "The tiniest flowers bloom the brightest. Pretty, industrious, considerate, a friend to many, a friend for keeps is Eileen. May the future always be as kindly to her as she is to all who know her.”

The family would like to thank Arbor House Assisted Living for the tireless care, love and support they have given Eileen and Lloyd over the past 4 years!

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 4:00pm-8:00pm in the Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home. Family will be present to greet friends and family. Services will be Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:00am in the Bill Eisenhour Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sunnylane Cemetery. Pallbearers are Garrett Steward, Jacob Steward, Allison Steward, Sarah Huffine, Jason Steward, and Jared Steward. Bob Rutherford and Jerry Steward will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.