Ishpeming, MI - Nancy E. Swanson, age 83, longtime resident of 672 Jopling Ave. Ishpeming, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming. Nancy had been under the loving care of her family, the staff at MCMCF and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Nancy was born in Ishpeming on November 19, 1932, daughter of the late Ina (Maki) and Emil Tuomela. She was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Class of 1950. She went on to attend Suomi College and Northern Michigan University where she received a bachelor's degree in education in 1969. Nancy married the late Donald "Bob" Swanson on July 17, 1954. They resided briefly in Georgia, moving back to Ishpeming prior to moving to Iron Mountain in the late 1950's returning to Ishpeming in 1965. She worked as a substitute teacher for several area school districts retiring in 1980.

Nancy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, served on several church committees including church council. While in Georgia and Iron Mountain she served as church organist. She belonged to the Ishpeming Womans bowling league for many years, and was a member of the Ishpeming-Negaunee Michigan Bell Belles.

Nancy is survived by her companion since 1981, Roy H. Isaacson of Ishpeming; two sons - Danial Swanson of Ishpeming and David (Susan) Swanson of Littleton, CO; a daughter Suzy (Gregg Corkin) Swanson of Ishpeming; grandchildren – Jenny Swanson, Jaclyn (Eric) Korpi, Teal Swanson, Michael (Belinda Thies) Swanson, Anna Swanson and fiancé Andrew Asmus & Connor Swanson, step-grandchildren – Brian and Lee Richards and their families, great grandchildren - Trevor Swanson and Erica Korpi, Roy's children - Michael & Michelle; former daughter-in-law Cindy Swanson of Ishpeming; sisters-in-law- Alice Tuomela of Kingsford, Harriet (Bob) Maki, and Judy Swanson both of Ishpeming, brother-in-law Hartley (Joyce) Swanson of Kentwood, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob Swanson in 1974, and brother Gerald Tuomela.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:30am – 12:00noon on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00noon with the Rev. Warren Geier to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A light luncheon will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 715 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Nancy's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .