Margaret M. Swanson

Margaret M. Swanson

May 19, 1949 – January 10, 2019

Survived by husband, Warren C. Swanson; fourteen children; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister and brother; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Jan. 14th from 5pm to 7pm at St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St., followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, Jan. 15th at 11:15am, St. Cecilia Cathedral.  Family Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Cecilia Grade School.

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Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, M. Leo Reeves and C. Patricia Reeves, daughter Sarah Pizinger-Yoakum.  She is survived by her loving spouse of thirty-three years, Warren Swanson; fourteen children: Charlie Swanson, Patricia Swanson, Mike (Becki) Swanson, Tim (Jill) Swanson, Eric Swanson, Eugene (Joan) Pizinger, Ida (Pat) Bystrek, Dave (Jane) Pizinger, Judy (Joe) Johnston, Jerome (Debbie) Pizinger, Mary (Rod) Kassmeier, Sheila (Mike) Lawton-Peters, Joe Pizinger, Deb (Bob) Shaver; 28 grandchildren: Samantha, Madison, Nicholas, Zachary, Kayla, Lyndie, Hannah, Maycee (Blayne), Mackenzie, Ashley (Jeremy), Scott, Andrea (Donald), Theresa, Andrew (Erin), Pat (Amy), Anna, Matt (Barb), Ross, Taylor, Bob (Ellen), Jaci (Adam), Liz (Erin), Janelle (Marc), KatieJo, Bernie (Kayla), Genevieve, Sarah, Ben; and 23 great-grandchildren: Jordan, Brodick, Parker, Trinity, Sawyer, Bentley, Atticus, Piper, Jules, Evie, Sam, Ellie, Celia, Molly, June, Evie, Ryan, Jenni, Ali, Lawton, London, Evan, Alex; sister, Molly (Tom) Glenn; brother, James (Tricia) Reeves; niece, Amy Sweeney; nephews: Jim (Mattie) Sweeney, Matt (Andrea) Sweeney; grandnieces: Alana and Gemma; grandnephew, Leo; Aunt, Rosemary Reeves; Sister Mary Rosalima Wilkinson RSM; canine daughter, Lucy, and many wonderful friends and former students of St. Cecilia’s Grade School.

Margaret was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska.  She often joked that she “hadn’t gone far in life,” since she attended St. Cecilia’s Grade School and Cathedral High School, then returned to teach first grade at St. Cecilia’s for forty-one years. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She was active in the Cathedral parish and school, coaching volleyball as well as track and field. She participated in the Athletic Booster Club. During her tenure at St. Cecilia’s she spent many years as the coordinator for the primary grades. She enjoyed teaching her first graders how to read as she was an avid reader herself. She also looked forward to leading her students in the Christmas gospel during the Christmas program. She also spent much of each summer preparing for the following school year. She enjoyed her free time as well, spending much of it with family. In recent years she was able to do more traveling, including trips to Yellowstone, Chicago, and visiting family in Washington DC, Delaware and Texas. As she ventured less from home, she enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends with her newly mastered skills of texting and Facebook.

15 Comments

  • Buckley /Taylor Family Posted January 11, 2019 4:39 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the Swanson Family. Margaret was taught five of our family. And we have many fond memories of Miss Reeves/Mrs. Swanson.

  • Eva Grimes Posted January 11, 2019 6:30 pm

    So sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. Truely one of the seeetest people God put on this earth. I’m so happy my children experienced her as their first grade teacher.

  • Fr. Mark McKercher Posted January 12, 2019 6:42 pm

    Visiting her classroom was always a great pleasure. May she rest in peace.

  • Tess Brich Posted January 12, 2019 7:02 pm

    Our condolences to the Swanson families. She was a wonderful woman and our children were lucky to have her for class/playground. She was a true building block at St Cecilia’s. Tess Dan Michael Bridget Rachael .

  • Justice Oliva Posted January 12, 2019 7:48 pm

    My condolences to the Swanson family, very sorry to hear that she has passed. It was truly a privilege to be taught by such an amazing woman and educator. I am blessed to have had her as my first grade teacher!

  • Elissa Eibes Blabac Posted January 12, 2019 8:55 pm

    Mrs. Swanson was my first grade teacher and was a gem. My heart breaks for your loss.

  • Christina Clark and Greg Bucher Posted January 12, 2019 9:27 pm

    We send our condolences to the Swanson family. Mrs. Swanson was our daughter Genevieve’s first grade teacher and I vividly remember how kind she was. We were so grateful for that. She was a lovely person.

  • Colleen Bartholomew Posted January 13, 2019 1:55 am

    We are better people because Mrs. Swanson was our first grade teacher. She taught us that kindness and respect were most important–a lesson learned young that remains with us to this day. Thank you Mrs. Swanson. Rest in eternal peace.

  • Mary Beth Lindsay Posted January 13, 2019 8:09 am

    Warren, Patricia and Charlie,
    So, so, so sad to hear about Margaret’s passing. She was a gifted teacher. And I mean “gifted”! I was lucky that the Lindsay boys started off their school experience with such a wonderful educator. I fear the other teachers down the road suffered by comparison. Know that you are in our prayers. With deepest sympathy, John and Mary Beth Lindsay, Johnny, Patrick, Bobby and David

  • Janna Posted January 13, 2019 12:13 pm

    Mrs. Swanson exemplifies unconditional love. She gave selflessly her time, attention and genuine care when in her presence. Although she will be missed dearly, her spirit and the life lessons she blessed us with will live on. We are so grateful to have children taught by Mrs.Swanson. Her name always brings warm smiles in our house. Our condolences to the Swanson family.

  • Jean and Joan Jetter Posted January 13, 2019 4:18 pm

    So sorry to see that Margaret has passed on , but know she is in heaven with her heavenly family. We always enjoying visiting with her and her husband before mass at Cathedral. Reminiscing and catching up with each other . We know you will be missed by many loved ones. sorry we can’t be there ! RIP

  • Jessica (Boro) Grosse Posted January 13, 2019 8:20 pm

    So sorry to hear this news! Mrs. Swanson was my first grade teacher and taught me how to read. I remember her fondly, always with a smile. And I did not realize she had 14 kids-God definitely gained an angel!

  • Christine Wren & Robert Dean Posted January 14, 2019 5:22 am

    How we wish we could be with you now and give you all hugs and sit with you. We hold Aunt Margaret close in our heart, as always, and cherish the many summer visits we shared. Much Love, Christine & Bob

  • Colleen Brennan Kirk Posted January 14, 2019 8:02 pm

    Warren, Charlie and Mary,
    I am so very sorry to hear about Margaret ‘s passing. She is fondly remembered by my boys Mitchell and Nick Endorf. Charlie, they specifically send your their condolences. She was a woman with a beautiful heart, and touched our family for a lifetime:

  • Mary Davis Baker Posted January 14, 2019 8:40 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of Margaret from many years ago. May you find comfort at this time.

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