LACONIA ---- Elaine Persons Swanson, age 90, of Laconia, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
A lifelong daughter of Laconia, Elaine attended local schools and graduated from Laconia High School in 1953. Following graduation, she began her career with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. In 1964, she transferred to the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in Washington, D.C., where she held a variety of positions in both Washington and Maryland. After a
distinguished career spanning 36 years, she retired from Verizon in 1989.
Elaine embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved to travel, enjoyed crafting and gardening, and in her later years developed a passion for oil painting. Her creative spirit and appreciation for beauty brought her great joy throughout her life.
In 1990, Elaine married her longtime friend, George E. Swanson. Together they shared many memorable adventures and travels, including visits to Alaska, a place especially dear to George as it was where he had been stationed during his service in the United States Air Force. The couple enjoyed 26 happy years of marriage until George’s passing. Following his death in 2017, Elaine returned to her hometown of Laconia and became a resident of the Taylor Community, where she
found friendship, comfort, and a caring community.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband, George E. Swanson; her parents, Van L. Persons and Ida L. (Gray) Persons; her brothers, Winston “Tink” L. Persons and Roger G. Persons of Laconia, and N. Richard Persons of Gilford; and her nephews, Kerry L. Persons of Manchester and Steven R. Persons of Colorado.
She is survived by her niece, Kelly Persons of Virginia; her nephews, Rickey Persons of Laconia and Michael Persons of Florida; and her step-grandsons, Ryan Swanson and Evan Swanson, both of New Jersey.
A graveside service will be held at Bayside Cemetery in Laconia at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, followed by interment.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Taylor Community, especially Sandy Berry, for their friendship, compassion, and loving care throughout Elaine’s years as a resident. The family also wants to thank the staff of Granite VNA for their support and kindness during Elaine’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Sunshine Fund at Taylor Community, 435 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.