Margaret Mary (née Trudeau) Swenson

Margaret Mary Swenson, 87, of Eagan, passed away peacefully at her home on May 11, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 4, 1936, Margaret lived a long, fulfilled, and happy life. At the age of 17, she married the love of her life, Roger, and the two quickly grew into a family of eight. Roger and Margaret shared 66 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2019. Their love was an enduring testament of commitment and devotion. Margaret became a grandma in her early 40s, and from that time forward she was affectionately called “Grandma” by the entire Swenson family, including Roger.

Grandma had an adventurous spirit and a zany, subtle sense of humor that endured throughout her entire life. In the summers, Grandma and her family enjoyed boating, sunbathing, and fishing at their cabin in Underwood, Minnesota where she often caught the most fish. She and Roger loved traveling with family and friends to Mexico and Hawaii, and they spent 22 winters together in Arizona, where they golfed and played cards, bingo, and dominos with their frequent visitors and fellow Snowbirds. Later in life, Grandma enjoyed hearing stories about and seeing photos of the faraway places her family visited, and she was always excited to try the new foods they brought back for her. She loved animals, most especially her Bella who was nearly always on her lap getting pets. And animals of all kinds—from deer to lizards—loved her too; even they were drawn to her gentle kindness.

Above all else, Grandma poured all her love and energy into caring for and nurturing her family. She was a woman of unconditional love. She ended every visit or phone call with her special, heartfelt “hugs and kisses” and “love you more” that warmed you to the core. Cooking for her family—at any gathering big or small—brought her great joy. Her famous dishes—wacky cake, mint brownies, 7-layer Jell-O—(all made from memory) multiplied over the years, and recently her daughters recorded the recipes on notecards for posterity. For school lunches, she’d bake fresh bread daily for sandwiches that were known throughout the cafeteria.

As her family grew over the years, Grandma cherished spending time with her six children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Seeing them grow-up and flourish brought her immense joy and pride. She loved attending their graduations, wrestling matches, and countless football and baseball games, many of which were coached by Roger. For years during football season, she and Roger regularly traveled to the University of North Dakota to cheer on their grandson Jared, and decades later they enjoyed watching Jared’s son Knox on the football field.

Grandma’s passing leaves a great void in our lives, but we take comfort knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Roger, her parents and three brothers, and her son, Michael. She is survived by her loving children: Deborah, Roger (Barbara), Melinda, Patricia, and Carol Lee; her six grandchildren; her seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother in-law Richard (Kathy), her sister in-law Mary Jane, and her sister in-law Jean Trudeau whom Grandma lovingly referred to as the sister she never had.

Grandma will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched, and the memories she created will be cherished forever. Rest in peace, Grandma. We will always love you and hold you close in our hearts.

Mass of Christian Burial 11am Wednesday, May 17 at CHURCH OF ST. PETER’S – MENDOTA, 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. Visitation 4-8 pm Tuesday, May 16 at O’HALLORAN & MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 575 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, and also one hour prior to Mass at church on Wednesday. Mass will be livestreamed on St. Peter's YouTube Page.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

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