Teresa Mae Swenson

Terry Swenson was born on November 23, 1926 in Rockford, Washington to John and Clara Sullivan. On February 25, 2023, she passed away surrounded by all 5 of her children.  She was happily married to her husband of 65 years, Robert, who preceded her in death in 2019.

Terry grew up on a farm in Rockford WA, with her brother Dan and sister, Ann Cheetham.   Terry always felt like she had the best of two worlds, the friendly small-town atmosphere of Rockford (350 people) yet only 45 minutes away from the city of Spokane.

After graduating from high school, she stayed home for a year to take care of her mother who had terminal cancer.

While attending Marylhurst University in Lake Oswego, OR, she took summer courses at Gonzaga University and became a life-long fan of their basketball team.  She graduated from Marylhurst University with a degree in bacteriology and a minor in chemistry. 

After graduating, she interned as a medical technologist at Harborview Hospital lab.  Later, she was head of the Hematology Department at Firlands Lab until a week before her first child was born.

While at Harborview, her college roommate introduced her to Robert (Bob).  They married in 1953 after he graduated from UW Dental school.   Her life was kept busy with her five active children.   She was a Cub Scout den mother, a Bluebird leader, and coach.   The family enjoyed camping, especially along the Oregon coast, and visiting the family farm.   Hosting Mexican exchange students enriched the family’s life.

Terry loved cooking and twice co-authored cookbooks for the St. Luke’s Mothers’ Club.  She belonged to St. Luke’s Sandwich Makers that made a thousand sandwiches every Wednesday for the homeless.  Her lifelong passion for gardening produced many beautiful flowers.   Bob and Terry enjoyed playing bridge with the same six couples for over 40 years.  She also played bridge with a fun group of girlfriends.  When her youngest started high school she became a Realtor and especially enjoyed selling homes to many of her kids’ friends.   Their children went in many directions.  Bob and Terry had fun visiting them in Alaska, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Colorado, and Iowa. They were thrilled when their children all moved close to home.

After 40 years, Bob retired in 1993 from his family dental practice at Northgate that he dearly loved.  Bob and Terry enjoyed sightseeing throughout Europe and Australia.    They met interesting people and learned new things at Elderhostels across the U.S. and Canada. 

Terry and Bob moved to Ida Culver House Broadview Senior Living Community in 2014 and enjoyed meeting new friends and sharing meals together. We appreciate the staff and residents for making Ida Culver Broadview an enjoyable and caring home for Terry and Bob.

Her 96 years were busy, hectic, and happy.   She cherished her life with Bob and time with family.  She will be deeply missed by her children Gary (Jana), Laurie Piacitelli (Greg), Susan Novack (Mark), Patricia Smuck (Wayne) and Mark; and her grandchildren, Lisa Piacitelli (Nathan Thramer), Hillary Swenson, Riley Swenson, Elizabeth Novack, Nicole Novack, Jack Swenson.  Terry was preceded in death by her husband Bob and her granddaughter Anna Novack

She had a good long life,and was eternally thankful for all her blessings.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday March 16th at 11:00 am at

St. Luke Catholic Church

322 N 175th St, Shoreline, 98133