Mary Margaret Swanda

Mary Margaret Swanda

July 3, 1917 - Sept. 22, 2017

VIBORG, S. D. — Mary Margaret Swanda, 100 years, passed away peacefully, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at Viborg.

Mary was born July 3, 1917, at Dallas, S.D., Gregory County, to Jeremiah Thomas and Theresa Mary (Determan) Shanahan.  She was baptized July 8, 1917 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Dallas.

Mary met her future husband while working as a housekeeper for the Catholic Church Rectory in Paxton, S.D.  On Aug. 30, 1938, she married John James Swanda at St. John Catholic Church. To this union, six sons were born, John, Larry, Gerald, Marvin, Daniel, and Kenneth.  The family moved to the Bonesteel South Dakota area in 1945 and farmed there throughout their married life.

Mary had a green thumb and loved her flowers and garden dearly.  She also enjoyed playing cards and socializing with others.   She was the biggest fan and behind the scene supporter of her husband and sons family polka band.  She loved going to the dances and listening to their music.   Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life and was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and Altar Society in Fairfax, S.D. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her sons, Larry (Carolyn) of Granger Iowa, Marvin (Margaret) of Eagle, Neb., Dan (Karen) of Yankton, S.D., and Kenneth (Marcy) of Custer, S.D.; her daughter-in-law, Karen Swanda of Huron, S.D.; and sister-in-law, Marcella Shanahan of Gregory S.D.;10 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John on Feb. 28, 1987; her sons, Gerald and John; and grandson, Brian Swanda; brothers, Leo, Arnold and Frank Shanahan; and sisters, Ellen Shanahan, Mildred Wranek and Margaret Grim.

Funeral services for Mary Swanda, formerly of Bonesteel, S.D., will be Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, S.D. Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Fairfax.  There will be a rosary on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior to both services.

Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, S.D., is in charge of arrangements.