Amalia Swenningson

Amalia “Mel” Swenningson passed away October 22, 2012 in Gresham, Oregon. She was born July 18, 1916 in Moonrun, Pennsylvania to parents Frank and Josephine Dolinar. She was one of 7 children. Mel grew up in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and moved to Oregon in 1955, where she lived ever since.

In 1940, Mel married Arthur Swenningson in LA, California. They shared many wonderful years of marriage together, until Arthur’s death in 2010. Mel loved her family, and was always close to them. She especially loved to sit on the back porch swing with her children and grandchildren, telling stories to one another. She was a good cook, and often hosted Sunday supper at her house. Mel was also an avid gardener, and loved to be outdoors, whether camping, traveling, or just taking a walk. She was a well-loved wife, mother, and grandmother and great grandmother.

Mel was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur and 3 of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter Karen Zahursky and son Aaron Swenningson; brother Henry Dolinar, sisters Francis Dolinar and Ann Stevens, as well as six grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday October 30, 2012 at 1:00pm, with graveside service to follow at 3:00pm at Lincoln Memorial Park.