Kim Swanson

We celebrate the life of Kathryn Murray Swanson, known to all who loved her as Kim, who passed away on April 26, 2026 at the age of 75. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister, Kim was happiest when surrounded by family. She delighted in every facet of her children Eric’s (Destinee) and Kathryn’s lives. She enjoyed long phone calls with many beloved nieces and nephews as well as lifelong friends from her grammar school days at St. Juliana, high school at St. Scholastica Academy, and college at Northern Illinois University, and the loving community she established in Jacksonville. She taught us all the importance of connection.

Born on April 13, 1951 to parents Dorothy Nugent and Edward Murray in Chicago Illinois, Kim forever held the city in her heart. It was there that she met the love of her life, her husband of 44 years, Russell. Together they enjoyed weekends in northern Wisconsin and exploring the Chicago area forest preserves, often on their bikes or cross-country skis. This love of exploration expanded as they travelled together across the country and around the world. Kim loved relaxing with needlepoint work, a good book on the beach, and helping others through her fulfilling career in oncology nursing.

Kim is preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Charles and Norma Swanson; her sister Dee Sarchet, brother Bill Murray, sister-in-law Diane R Murray, and nephew/godson Will Sarchet. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband Russell, son Eric (Destinee), daughter Kathryn, grandson Jack; brother Ed (Dianne) Murray; sisters in law Gay Murray, Janet (Greg) Chickris, Carol (Marty) Bird; and brothers in law Greg (Karen) Sarchet, Carl (Denise) Swanson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends .

Visitation will be at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 on Friday, May 1 from 5-8PM. Services to be held at the funeral home on Saturday, May 2 at 11AM with a remembrance to follow at Atlantic Beach Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society.

Though gone from our sight, Kim’s spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.