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BORN
1939
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Karen Swanson Obituary
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Warren Swanson, and her sons, Gregg (Rachel), Gary, (Peggy); and daughter Lynn (Mike). She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren; Krista, Erik, Jake, Karli, Joey, Hannah, Michael, and Daniel. She is predeceased by her daughter, Lori; and grandson, Andrew.
Karen received a scholarship to attend Hartford Hospital School of Nursing and began her long, distinguished career as an Emergency Room nurse at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. Karen was well-known in the E.R.; she became a charge nurse due to her ability to remain calm and empathetic while under pressure. She finished her nursing career by working in L+M's Endoscopy Department.
Karen was an ultimate fan of her children and grandchildren. She attended all of their numerous sporting events, including traveling to four Little League and Babe Ruth World Series. As Warren coached several soccer teams, Karen was his number one supporter, helping with everything from washing uniforms to critiquing coaching techniques and tactics. Even as she supported Warren, her children, and her grandchildren, Karen remained a nurse at heart as she did not hesitate to run on the soccer field to help an injured player regardless of what team they played on.
Throughout her retirement, Karen's enthusiasm for sports continued as she loved watching the English Premier League. A running family joke was that Mom would switch her support of Premier League teams each season to pick a more successful team.
Karen was proud of her Swedish heritage and imparted many recipes and traditions onto her family. She will be missed and remembered as Karen, Mom, Grandma, and G-ma. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations in her memory to: The Cactus Jack Foundation, P.O. Box 145, Waterford, CT 06385.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 23, at Filomena's in Waterford. A celebration of life reception will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To send the Swanson family an online condolences or to view Mrs. Swanson's online memorial video visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral home, 48 Grand St., Niantic is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Swanson
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
Janice Monroe
May 25, 2021
The Monroe family. Sending My condolences to the Swanson family. I have fond memories of her as I attended harbor school
Kevin, Karen and Kristen Powell
May 23, 2021
Our condolences and prayers to the Swanson family and a very special lady that lived a grand life. May Karen rest in peace.
Robert Zeppieri
May 22, 2021
Dear Warren and family,
We are saddened to learn of the loss of Mrs. Swanson. She was always warm and kind to everyone. We are grateful to have met such a lovely person.
The Zeppieri family
Waterford
Christina Nelson Langford
May 22, 2021
Sad to see she has departed the family here but she has moved to a greater place. Our families were members of the Lutheran Church. When you lived in New London I babysat your sons before the daughters were born. Short time later Mr. Swanson you began working at Naval Submarine School where I also was employed. Then later in years your daughter Lori began working at SUPSHIP where I was employed. I then moved to the South and our paths did not cross again. I often thought of the Swanson family in the later years. My parents moved on in the last few years also. May God and the joy
of memories comfort you.
Roslyn Haney
May 22, 2021
Dear Warren and Family,
It saddened me to read about Karen's death. Please know that I have all of you in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Roslyn Haney
Venice, FL
Meredith Anderson
May 21, 2021
Karen was the kindest and most loving Mother and a wonderful Aunt. My deepest sympathies.
Greg Wilkinson, Gales Ferry
May 21, 2021
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
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