Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
About
Nancy Swenson Obituary
Nancy Tiernan Swenson, 87, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Montclair, died in her home on Thursday, March 8.
Born in Mountainside Hospital to the late Martin F. Tiernan and Purcell Carroll Tiernan, Mrs. Swenson grew up in Essex Fells. She attended The Kimberley School in Montclair in the late 1930s, and graduated from the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., in 1942. She attended Connecticut College for Women and Katharine Gibbs School. In 1944, she married Bruce Swenson. The couple lived in Montclair and moved to Texas in 1948, settling in Dallas in 1951.
In Texas, Mrs. Swenson began playing in many tennis tournaments, where she held sectional and national rankings in the 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years and over divisions, ranking No. 1 in Texas five times, and in the top five in the country five times. She was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003, and into The Montclair Kimberley Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
In 1998, Mrs. Swenson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She became involved with The Texas Voice Project, a foundation dedicated helping Parkinson's patients preserve their ability to speak. In 2010, The Voice Project awarded Nancy its annual Proud-to-be Loud Award for 'extraordinary courage, perseverance and determination."
Mrs. Swenson was predeceased in July 2011 by her husband of 66 years, Bruce Swenson; her three brothers, Marty Jr., Wally and Billy; and her sister, Mary Tiernan McShane. She is survived by her six children, Bruce (Smokey) Swenson and his wife, Lindsley, and their children, Tiernan Cavanna and husband Kiernan; Stephen Swenson and his wife Carla; Christopher Swenson and his wife Emily of Montclair, and their children, Billy, Mike and Lisa; Merritt Swenson and her sons, Swen, Jamie, and Peter McCulloch; Carroll Swenson-Roberts and husband Truett Roberts, and their daughter Sara Roberts; and Nancy E. Swenson, and her daughters, Allison, and Hayley Caldwell; and four great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass was held in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Richardson, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Voice Project, 500 N. Coit Road, Suite 2085, Richardson, TX 75080.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Swenson
14 Entries
Charlotte Beyer
March 28, 2012
My sisters and I have the most precious memories of our years growing up in Dallas and the wonderful Christmas Day parties at the Swenson's! Our parents, Reid and Eddie Beyer, were close friends of both Bruce and Nancy for 20+ years. Allen and I not only admired Nancy for her warm and wise ways of showering affection on her own brood and us as well, we also hoped we would grow up to be just like her! To us, Nancy represented the very epitome of grace and love.
With condolences to her children, grandchildren and family,
Allen and Chralotte Beyer
Jerry/Martha Cornett
March 19, 2012
To the Swensons, Nancy was a wonderful lady and enjoy the times Jerry and I spent with Nancy and Bruce at the Lodge. Now they are together again and can continue. Well miss her wonderful smile. Our deepest sympathy.
Jerry and Martha Cornett.
Barbara Forsythe
March 14, 2012
Nancy was a wonderful , gracious person. we spent many hour and years practicing for tennis tournaments. She called me "old shoe". I called her "Lady Nancy". The world has lost a precious person. Someone I will remember forever.
Lucie La Bonte
March 13, 2012
Dear Swenson Family;
Oh my, I feel like I lost an Aunt. Mom and I talked of Nancy often on my visits to Bay Head. She was such a terrific lady and we all loved her so much. There will always be a place in my heart for her. Love to you all, my sympathies.
Lucie
Shannon Wynne
March 13, 2012
I remember with fondness the Christmas time parties as kids at the Swenson home. It was a big deal to be able to call them all by name, but one we did know was Mrs. Swenson who never spoke down to us as kids. My condolences to all of you. You were so lucky to have her in your lives for so long.
Robert Tiernan
March 12, 2012
To all of the Swenson family, I'm sorry I'm unable to join you during this sad time. My prayers are with you in this time of grief. May your memories of Nancy bring you comfort and joy.
With true sincerity,
Robert F. Tiernan
Anne LaBonte Neff
March 12, 2012
To all of the Swensons from the LaBontes -- We loved Nancy - a great, strong woman, and such a lady! We have missed seeing her in Bay Head, but her spirit has always been here and will continue to be. Love and sympathies, Katie, Rich, Anne and Lucie
Chuck Sanchelli
March 12, 2012
I only knew Nancy briefly, as we reviewed her accomplishments in tennis for Induction into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame. However, as we learned more about her we were honored to have such an outstanding person in the Hall of Fame both on and off the tennis court. All the best to her family. Chuck Sanchelli, Selection Chairman, Texas Tennis Hall of Fame
Harvey Davis
March 12, 2012
Dear Smokey,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Mother. I have good memories of her from Northwood and your house on Shenandoah. She was quite a card - often as a result of some of your antics. Regard to all the Swensons.
Jack Whipple
March 12, 2012
I've known Steve since college at W&L and saw his mom when we went to Bay Head, and when I visited Dallas. She was a cool mom, always friendly, inviting and positive. I'll miss her greatly, and I only met her those few times. She left a great impression on you.
Dennis Braden
March 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the family, how she and Burce lived their lives were examples for all of us to fallow. I will miss her.
Jeffrey Bell
March 12, 2012
My deepest sympathies to Smokey and the entire Swenson/Tiernan clan. Mrs. Sewnson was always one of my favorite Moms, so warm and welcoming to their children's friends. I have so many fond memories of her from Smokey's and my days at Lawrenceville and over the years during my visits to the Swenson's home in Bay Head. Suffice it to say, Mr. Swenson was one of my favorites as well. They were a wonderful role models for all of us younger folks. Both will be missed. I take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and in the arms of her maker.
Jeffrey Graham Bell
Ginger and John Merrill
March 12, 2012
Time to celebrate the remarkable life of a lovely lady, a life well lived and well loved.
Myles Foreman
March 12, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the Swenson family. I am proud to have known both Nancy and Bruce, a truly magnificent couple...together forever!
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Nancy Swenson's name
How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Nancy Swenson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more