Cheryl Lee Swenson

Cheryl Lee Swenson, age 70, of Kalispell, Montana, formerly of Waldorf, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2023, after a long illness. Despite her serious health issues, she always remained cheerful and optimistic. She was born and raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Emil and Yvonne Bazzy. She attended Lexington Christian Academy in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she was her high school class valedictorian. She went on to attend Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

After growing up in Massachusetts, Cheryl also lived in Minnesota, Florida, Maryland, Kentucky, California, Indiana, and Montana. She lived 44 of her 70 years in Maryland.

Cheryl was very active serving the Lord all of her life. She served as a Sunday School teacher, preschool teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, church nursery chairman, hospitality committee member, choir member, choir soloist, and on and on. She loved music, especially Christian music.

Cheryl enjoyed travel. One of her favorite places was New Hampshire, and she visited most of the 50 states in the United States, including Hawaii. She also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Haiti, Jamaica, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany. She loved history, loved reading about history, and loved visiting historical sites.

Cheryl also loved animals. For nearly all of her married life, Cheryl shared her home with pets, including a diabetic cat who needed insulin shots every 12 hours.

At various times Cheryl worked as a bank teller, receptionist, optician, and preschool teacher, plus for over 20 years she was secretary and treasurer for First Baptist Church of Waldorf, Maryland. Yet she was always a stay-at-home mom. After her children were born and before they were old enough to attend school, she didn't work outside the home. Then when they started going to school, she arranged her working hours so that she was always at home when her children were at home from school.

Cheryl was greatly loved, and was the wife of Gary Swenson for nearly 51 years; mother of Scott (wife Katrina) of Avondale, Pennsylvania and David (wife Kristie) of Kalispell, Montana; and grandmother of Mekhi, Izzie, Gracie, Shayla, Macie, Chase, and Rhett. Her family, and especially her grandchildren, were the joy of Cheryl's life.

A private memorial service was held on March 19, 2023 with immediate family in attendance. Memorial contributions in Cheryl's name may be sent to Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell, Montana 59901.