Margaret Louise Swanson

Margaret Louise Swanson, 105 years old, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Lakeshore Assisted Living-Simarron. She was born on May 11, 1920, in Gaston, IN, to the late John and Mary (Woodring) Nickey.

Margaret's early years were spent on a family farm in Gaston, Indiana, where she shared countless hours playing outside with her older brother and sister, along with her younger brother. Margaret and her siblings were raised by a single mother who grew a garden, canned veggies, and taught her the value of hard work and resourcefulness. The garden provided not only food but income as well: tomatoes harvested were sold to Heinz Corp. and corn to Orville Redenbacher for popcorn.

Margaret learned to play the piano at an early age and developed a lifelong love for writing poetry and drawing – talents that continued to bring her joy throughout the years. She graduated from Gaston High School and then Ball State University. Margaret also spent time volunteering at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. It was while volunteering there that she met Dr. Roy Swanson. They married on June 19, 1964, and soon moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where they built a short but meaningful life together, taking trips down the East Coast and visiting the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Sadly, He preceded her in death in October of 1970.

Margaret worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the Central Indiana Gas Company, as secretary in the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University; for the deputy chief medical examiner for the state; and later, as a data entry clerk for the Morgantown Police Department. She also volunteered at Monongahelia General Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.

In her free time, Margaret enjoyed doing needlework and reading. Her stories and legacy will be carried on through her family and she will be dearly missed.

Margaret is survived by her sister-in-law, Patricia Nickey; nieces, Paula Smith, Renee (Lyle) Rycenga, Anita (Rick) Wright; nephews, Jeff Hunsaker (Diane), Jon (Susan) Nickey, Bill (Liane) Nickey; two cousins, Pat Engel and Lynn McClain; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Martha (John) Fisher; and brothers, John Nickey and Robert (Phyllis) Nickey.

The Graveside Service for Margaret will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Thompson Cemetery in Gaston, Indiana. Please visit www.klaassen funeralhome.com to sign Margaret's online guestbook.