Mary Frances Swanson

Mary Frances Swanson, 82, passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2016, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Mary was born July 1, 1933, in Norfolk, VA to the late Inez and Robert (Juicy) Staylor. She was predeceased by her infant granddaughter Jamie Lyne McGovern. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, John P. Swanson, Sr., and five children: Betty Swanson-Doyle (husband Jonathan), Sheryl McGovern, Patricia Kerr (husband Larry), Ginny Dill (husband John), and John P. Swanson, Jr. (wife Amanda); ten grandchildren: Richard (Buzz) Laird (wife Wendy), Joshua Sikes, Michelle McGovern Neaves (husband Jake), Dallas McGovern (Sherri Ryan), Eric Kerr (wife Sarah), Jake Kerr, Katie Kerr White (husband Scott), Sean Dill, Landon Swanson, and Kylie Swanson; eight great-grandchildren: Jack Laird, Olivia Laird, Emma Laird, Gracelyne Neaves, Kelsey McGovern, Natalie Kerr, Harrison Kerr, and Bayleigh White. She is also survived by her sister Betty Wheeler (husband Joseph), by a niece Debbie Seals (husband Dink) and 2 nephews, Joseph Wheeler, Jr., and Robert Wheeler.

Sister in-law Sandy Lowe, niece Dottie (husband Karl),nephew Billie (wife Teresa), and niece Lisa. Brother in-law Eddie Sennewald, niece Linda, niece Sally and nephew Eddie Carl.

Mary grew up and went to Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, VA, until 1970 when the family started going to Wycliffe Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, VA. She was a member of the Choir, helped with Bible school, Sunday school, and the Samaritan House Children at Christmas time, and the Homeless. She also was an avid duckpin bowler with the ladies and carried a high average. She and John also bowled with the VEPCO (Dominion Power) duckpin league at night and she was usually the woman with the highest average and won the prize.

During her battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Mary had great care given by Larry Kerr, Norie Walters, Georgie Delacruz, Raquel Iglesia, Beth Anne Spring, Jan Farley, and the many Gentiva Hospice staff. The family wants to thank them for their service and support over the years. A special thanks to Mrs. Marlene Rowe for her loving care and support.

A private family burial will be conducted at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens on January 27, 2016. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016, at 5:00 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home with a reception immediately following the service. Woodlawn Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, Wycliffe Presbyterian Church, or Lafayette Presbyterian Church.