Rosie Swenson

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Rosie Swenson, passed away on Tues., June 9, 2009 in Palm Desert, Calif. She was surrounded by her loving family who were fortunate to observe her in her final days showing the epitome of strength, courage, grace and dignity. Rosie was born in Salina, Kan. on Aug. 5, 1918 to Dr. and Mrs. Victor McKee. Rosie served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. On Dec. 1, 1945, she married Leon Swenson. They had four children, Dudley Swenson of Palm Desert, Calif., Mary Alice White of Bonita, Calif., Michelle Tucker of Bermuda Dunes, Calif., and Joan Swenson of La Quinta, Calif. She lived in Indio, Calif. for over sixty years moving to Atria Hacienda in Palm Desert in 2008. Rosie and her husband, Leon, recently celebrated 63 years of a beautiful, happy marriage. While in Indio, Rosie belonged to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, actively participating in the Altar Society and Parish Council. She was a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for 20 years playing the piano weekly for two local convalescent hospitals. She also volunteered at Martha's Kitchen and JFK Hospital. Rosie is survived by her husband, Leon; her son, Dudley Swenson and his fiancé, Mary Pyle; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Alice and Robert White; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Joe Tucker; and daughter, Joan Swenson; four grandchildren, Joshua White, Ryan White, Katie Tucker Gladish and Kelly Swenson; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Nathan, Noah, Parker and Johanna; and her sister, Mary Ann Ryan. Her grandson, Keith Tucker, preceded her in death. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Mon., June 22, 2009, at 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Indio. A Rosary Service will be held prior to the mass at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties, 42-600 Cook Street, #202, Palm Desert, CA 92211.