Lois Joan Swendsen

Lois Joan (DeMerse) Swendsen, age 94, of Brimley, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in the Long-Term Care Unit at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Lois was born on July 25, 1931, in Raco, Michigan, to the late William "Jack" and Thelma (Parish) DeMerse. Lois grew up in Dollar Settlement, Michigan, and was a graduate of Superior High School in Brimley. Lois enjoyed working as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell in Sault Ste. Marie and Detroit, Michigan. While in Detroit, Lois met her husband of forty-nine years while he was serving in the United States Coast Guard. Several years later they moved up north and made Dollar Settlement their home. In her later years, Lois could be found in the kitchen of Tinker's Restaurant making delicious cakes and pies. Lois was a devoted member of the Gospel Chapel Church in Dollar Settlement and was a woman of deep faith and strong values. She was also a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Lois had a lifelong love for gardening and canning, taking great joy in nurturing her garden. She and her fellow 1948 graduates kept in touch, enjoying enduring friendships for over seventy years. Lois enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, knitting, and making maple syrup. Her favorite thing was time spent with her family, especially in her last years all gathered around the table for Sunday dinners. Lois is survived by her daughter, Denice Kennedy of Brimley; sons, Keith (Mary) Swendsen of Brimley and Bill (Mary) Swendsen of Brooklyn, Michigan; grandchildren, Melissa (Nate) Case, Mikaela Swendsen, Keith (Randilynn) Swendsen, Darick (Ashley) Bowen, Amber Swendsen, and Krystal (Robert) Pirone; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Hannah, Sadie, Trey, Kade, Diem, Alexis, Gavin, Taylor, Paige, and Ruthie; sister, Shirley Schwiderson; sister-in-law, Jean Bach; close nephew, Richard Clow; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude (Dick) Swendsen; sister, Maxine Clow; parents-in-law, Birger and Virginia (Rice) Swendsen; in-laws, Robert and Dolores (Berry) Swendsen; brothers-in-laws, Earl Clow and John Schwiderson; and son-in-law, Ward Kennedy. Lois will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and dedication to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. There will be a Graveside Service on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mission Hill Cemetery on W. Tower Rd. Brimley, MI 49715, officiated by Pastor Rodney Case. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 PM at Bay Mills Township Hall, 14740 W. Lakeshore Dr. Brimley, MI 49715. Memorial Contributions may be made in Lois's name to the Gospel Chapel Church, C/O Lynn Gillies, P.O. Box 625, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Family Life Funeral Homes - Sault Ste, Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.