Elaine Catherine (Johnson) Swanson, 71, died peacefully at her home on August 7th after a long courageous fight with myelodysplasia and acute leukemia She is the daughter of the late Herbert L. and Inez C. (Rollins) Johnson. She is survived by her loving husband and sole mate of 32years, Edwin G. Swanson; her four children, James T. Schalla Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Pawcatuck, Donna L. Schalla of Tulum, Mexico, Penny L. Schalla of Groton, Douglas A. Schalla and his wife Angela of Preston; her stepchildren, Kerry P. Swanson of Niantic, and Lorelei I. (Swanson) Bray of Mystic; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her sister, Joyce M. (Johnson) Walsh and her husband Cornelius Walsh. She is also survived by her niece and two nephews, Debra A. (Walsh) Robinson of Mississippi, Cornelius M. Walsh of Louisiana, Thomas A. Walsh of NY all of whom she loved and raised after the passing of her sister. She is also survived by her great-niece and nephew and their children whom she loved and adored.
Mrs. Swanson was born in Noank on January 6, 1934 and was a lifetime resident of Mystic and Groton. She graduated from Fitch Senior High School in 1952 and was employed by the IGA Supermarket for the past 18years where she enjoyed her work at the Niantic and East Lyme stores because of the wonderful coworkers and customers that she befriended. Complications from her illness forced her to leave her job in March.
Mrs. Swanson had a zest for life and enjoyed fishing, clamming, traveling, camping, amusement parks, sports, board and card games all of which she taught and shared fer passion for, with her family and friends. Her zest for life was so strong that she continued most of these activities during her illness to include going clamming at her favorite spot, Bluff Point in Groton.
Her family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday from 5-8pm. A Graveside Funeral Service will be conducted at Elm Grove Cemetery, Rte. 27, Mystic on Friday at 2pm.
Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 23 W. Town Street, Norwich 06360 or Hospice, PO 902, Uncasville 06382.
To send an note of condolence/remembrance to Elaine's family, please click the link below.