Nina L. Swanson, age 86, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Bark River.
Nina was born on January 10, 1938, in Gladstone, the daughter of Fredrick and Violet (Olson) Malnar. She was raised in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School. Nina was united in marriage to Nels Swanson on September 14, 1957 and together they shared 62 years before Nels passed away in 2020.
Nina was an expert at crafting; especially sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She often would donate her crafts to hospice patients and she also sewed dresses to donate to migrant charities. She loved to gift her crafts to others. She also was a collector of stamps and coins. In her earlier years, she enjoyed being a 4-H leader. She was also an avid fan of the Michigan Sports team, especially the Detroit Tigers. Nina and Nels enjoyed taking their children to watch Tigers games.
Nina is survived by her children Teri (Jim) Carlson, Ted (Carol) Swanson, Tammy (Bob) Carlson, and Diane (Erik) Barnhart; siblings Fred “Chum” (Marlene) Malnar, Bonnie LaBelle, Sally (Joe) Patterson, and John Malnar; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nina was preceded in death by her husband Nels; parents Fredrick and Violet; son Dave Swanson; and grandson Brent Swanson.
The family would like to thank everyone at Cedar Hill Assisted Living for the great care they took of Nina and their whole family during her stay there.
A memorial service honoring Nina will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the Covenant Church of Gladstone at 1:00 PM with Pastor Aaron Anderson officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Nina will be laid to rest next to her husband at Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
Peter Brock - Zephyrhills , FL
My condolences go out to the Swanson family especially Terri and Tammy and their families. I know that Nina is in a better place enjoying being back with Nels again in heaven together. May God’s peace be with the entire family.
Marie Chenier - Escanaba, MI
Nina was blessed to be spending Christmas in heaven… God saw it was time to bring her home.
Nina was a special sweet lady, always helping others in need,I was one lucky one that she helped with a mission, she continue to help others by helping me with material and elastic to help making masks for our Frontline worker during the pandemic, together we made 1800 masks that went to them.
Thanks for Tammy her daughter for making all that possible.
Cathy and Randy Gascon - Escanaba, MI
Tammy, Randy and I are very sorry for the passing of your Mom. Always loved taking to her at Lakeview. Prayers to your family.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
Our condolences to Ted and Nina’s entire family. She’s joining her husband Nel in Heaven and they are two special people as I remember from playing Slowpitch with Nel first…and then Ted joined in on the Mead Oldtimers. Rest in Peace Nina!