Mary Jane Swenson

Mary Jane (Jurgens) Swenson, age 85, of Paynesville, MN passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home with loving family at her side. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 a.m. in the garden at her home in Paynesville, with the Rev. Tom Roy as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the garden and a time of fellowship and reflection will continue after the service. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Algona, IA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Animal Humane Society.
Mary Jane was born on October 20, 1938, in Kanawha, IA, the daughter of Floyd and Marjorie (Striley) Jurgens. The family moved to a farm near Willmar, MN when she was a young child. She attended country school and graduated from Willmar High School in 1956. Mary Jane married Howard Swenson on December 7, 1963. She made her home in Lake Lillian, MN, New London MN, and eventually Paynesville, MN.
Mary Jane was a lifelong caregiver to many, especially her precious daughter, Kristine. Mary Jane enjoyed freelance photography, gardening, and was an avid quilter and textile artist. Many quilts were made with love for family and friends.
Mary Jane had a personal ministry in the making of liturgical quilts to tell of Christ's love and sacrifice for him. Mary Jane would spend time in prayer and study of the Bible while working on each piece. The quilts were not just ordinary pieces of cloth sewn together, but a point of contact to the presence of God. Mary Jane always said her quilts were made "For Glory and for Beauty" Exodus 28.2.
Mary Jane is survived by her daughter Kristine, son Clyde (Arturo) of Paynesville, MN, son Clayton (Laura) of Baldwin, WI, four grandchildren, Gerald, Carl (Kaitlyn), Kathryn, Jessica, three great-grandchildren, Howard, Myron, and Isaac, one brother, and several nieces and nephews.
Blessed Be Her Memory.
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