Lillian M.

Swanson

ISHPEMING, MI - Lillian Mary Swanson (Boschi), age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 8, 2026, surrounded by family. She was under the compassionate care of Marquette County Medical Care Facility staff and U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Lillian was born on September 8, 1936, in Santa Rosa, California, to Charles Boschi and Agnes (Mantua) Boschi; a child of Northern Italian immigrants. She grew up on a dairy farm in Santa Rosa alongside her younger brother, Charlie, with whom she shared many childhood memories.

From an early age, Lillian loved learning and reading. Despite facing a language barrier when she first began school, she was an obedient and dedicated student who especially enjoyed learning about colors and the world around her. Her love of reading remained with her throughout her life. One of her favorite books was Little Women, and in later years she especially enjoyed the novels of Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult.

Lillian graduated from Ursuline High School and went on to attend Santa Rosa School of Nursing, completing her nursing education in just three years. She began her nursing career at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital before making the move to Ishpeming, Michigan, after meeting George Otto Swanson at a local barn dance.

On July 25, 1958, Lillian married George, the love of her life, at St. John's Evangelical Church in Ishpeming. Together they built a life and raised their family in the welcoming yellow house Lillian designed and George built on Michigan Street in Ishpeming.

Lillian dedicated much of her professional life to caring for others. She worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Marquette, Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming, and served as the Registered Nurse Director at Mather Nursing Home. Her nursing career reflected her commitment to helping others and caring for those in need.

Above all, Lillian treasured her family and took great pride in bringing everyone together. She was happiest in her kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loved. Her Northern Italian heritage was reflected in the beautiful meals she prepared, such as spaghetti/meatballs, gnocchi, red stew/polenta, and the traditions she passed down through her cooking. Sunday suppers were a special family tradition, with everyone gathered around the table.

Her homemade blueberry muffins, made with hand-picked berries, along with her delicious pies, breads, pumpkin bars, cookies, and tapioca pudding, were family favorites. Holidays were especially meaningful to Lillian, as she loved hosting gatherings for family and friends and making everyone feel welcome. She also enjoyed sharing a "stinger" with friends in her special stinger glasses, hosting Smear card tournaments, creating memories filled with laughter and friendship.

When she wasn't in the kitchen or surrounded by family, Lillian enjoyed reading, visiting St. Pete's Beach and strolling along the shoreline in search of seashells, spending time at the family Homestead sunbathing and lemonade on the swing, and enjoying trips to the casino. She also generously gave her time through volunteer work at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.

Lillian and George were blessed with four children: Keith (Donna Wineberger) Swanson; Kenneth Swanson, who preceded her in death in 1982; Kristen Swanson and her partner, Mary Jo Doto; and Kevin (Heather Wise) Swanson.

She was a proud grandmother to Alec Swanson (Kayla Hall), Khora Swanson (Thomas Finegan), Hunter Swanson (Joanna Holmgren), Griffin "Otto" Swanson (Berkli Asgaard), and Lilly Swanson, who brought her much love and joy.

Lillian will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to nursing, her intelligence and lifelong love of learning, her generous hospitality, and the many meals, traditions, and memories she created throughout her life.

Her home was always a gathering place, her kitchen a place of comfort, and her table a place where family and friends knew they were loved. The traditions she created and the love she shared will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Saturday November 28, 2026. Visitation will take place from 10:00am – 12:00pm, with the memorial service beginning at 12:00pm. Pastor J. Michael Mills will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow in the Bethel Lutheran Church Missionary Hall.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of her son Kenny, to “Do it for Daniel” a foundation whose mission is educating people around the Midwest on the stigma of mental illness and encouraging anyone that is struggling to realize they are not alone and to seek help. Donations can be made at www.doitfordaniel.com.