Shirley Rosella Swenson

Shirley R. Swenson

Piper - Morris

(Lynch)

June 25, 1929 - Nov. 7, 2025

Shirley Rosella Swenson, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully age 96, on Nov. 7, 2025, at Samaritan Bethany on 8th in Rochester MN.

Shirley was born June 25, 1929, in St. Paul, MN to Harry and Edwidge (Neveu) Lynch. She grew up in St. Paul, graduated from Humboldt High School in 1948 and attended Globe Business College. She worked at the Emporium, Golden Rule Department Store and NSP. There she met her first husband, Warren H. Piper. They married on October 21, 1950. Together they had five children; Linda, Matthew, Steven (Rich), Laura and Annemarie.

The family resided in the Como Park Area where they enjoyed activities, neighbors and friends. Weekends were spent at Marine on the St. Croix. In 1971, the family moved to CO. They returned to Webster, WI, making many memories living at Ham Lake, and then White Bear Lake, MN. A few years later, Warren and Shirley divorced.

While living in Oakdale, MN, Shirley met and married Dale Morris of Rochester. Together they enjoyed dancing, winters in Mesa AZ, gardening, and special friendships. During their time in AZ, Dale passed away.

Shirley continued to reside in Rochester, staying active in the Senior Center, at her church and dancing at various locations in southern Minnesota. Through her love of dancing and socializing, she met David Swenson. They later married and lived in Rochester. After David's passing in 2009, Shirley remained living at Realife Cooperative, enjoying friends there and at church, tending her garden, flowers, but most of all, playing her favorite game, cribbage.

Shirley is survived by children: Linda (Jerry) Krieger, Matthew (Longtime friend, Sue Johnson) Piper, Laura Swan, Annemarie (Timothy)Bubash; grandchildren; Jerome (Jeanne) Krieger, Jennifer (Keith) Zaffran, Rachael (Arron) Endsley, Bradley (Shelley)Swan, Brian Swan, Wade Piper, and Joe Bubash: nine great- grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law, Joanne Piper; nieces, nephews, cousins, many relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by husbands; Warren H. Piper, Dale Morris and David Swenson; son, Steven (Richard Isaac) Piper; parents, siblings; Ben Lynch, Betty Malone and Jerome Lynch; In-Laws Harold & Wilma (Burcalow) Piper, brother-in-law; Kermit Piper and Bernard Malon.

A special thank you to Joyce, David and Justin for the unending service and dedication to Shirley at Realife. Thank you to the staff and caregivers Samaritan Bethany on 8th in Rochester. To the staff at Mayo Hospice, especially Brent, Kris and Lindsey, your care and professionalism with Shirley was greatly appreciated.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Friday, November 21 at Pax Christi Catholic

Church, 4135 18th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation at the church 10:00 AM prior to Mass. Private Interment at Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul to be held later.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Catholic Charities of St. Paul, MN, Mayo Hospice Program or donor's choice.

Shirley will be fondly remembered for her unwavering faith, strength, fun-loving nature, curiosity and keen memory, along with her unconditional love for her family, friends, and cat, Peewee.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving Shirley's family; to share a special message or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.