MARY ANN SVINTH

1930 - 2016

Mary Ann Svinth Mary Ann Svinth (Filatreau) was born on August 11, 1930 in Ovid, CO. She went home to the arms of Jesus on December 8, 2016 at her home in Olympia, WA, surrounded by family and friends. Only two weeks prior she was told she had metastasized breast cancer that spread to the skin, stomach, kidney, and liver. She graduated from Montebello High School in east Los Angeles, CA in 1948. While in school she was a part of a work study program where she was employed as a long-distance telephone operator. During a tour of the Camp Pendleton Communication Section, young Cpl. Peter Svinth, Jr. caught her eye. She convinced her brother-in-law, his commanding officer, to invite him to their house for dinner, and the rest is history. They were married on March 14, 1953 in Las Vegas, NV. Their first residence was near Long Beach, CA. Their first child, Kenneth, was born at Madigan Army Hospital while Peter was serving in Korea. They moved to the Tacoma area after Peter was discharged, and a year later daughter Kathryn was born. As a young mother she became involved with the Collins Elementary School Tots Club and PTA, and maintained friendships from that group of ladies the rest of her life. The family moved to Spokane, WA in 1967, then back to Des Moines, WA in 1970. In 1973 the family moved to a farm on Vashon (Maury) Island and established Family Trees Gardens and Orchard. In 2000 she and Peter uprooted and moved to the Olympia area to be more involved with the Nisqually Nation. They were active with Tribal and Elders travels and activities. She was a quilter, baker, and homemaker. She was a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout leader, Rainbow Mom, and the best grandma ever. She could spread joy and love everywhere she went. Her smile could light up a room. Over the years she has toured the world and experienced its many wonders, but it was her home, family, and friends that held her heart. She ended her days emphasizing how Interesting and enjoyable her life's journey had been. She was preceded in death by her son Kenneth, and is survived by husband Peter, daughter Kathryn, granddaughter Trina Wisdom (Brandon), great-granddaughters Jaedelyn and Anika, and many family and friends. A Celebration of a Life Well-Lived will be held on Saturday, January 21, at 1pm in the fellowship hall of Bethany Lutheran Church, 26418 Mountain Hwy E, Spanaway, WA.