Mrs. Jeannie Swanson

Jeannie (Gies, Johnson, Love) Swanson Jeannie Swanson born Dora Jean Gies on April 8, 1951, much loved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend to many passed away on Sunday April 21, 2013. Jeannie and her daughter, Vicki were in Orlando, Florida where they had gone to vacation with her younger daughter, Brandi when she was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle. Jeannie was born in St. Ignatius Montana to Al and Helen Gies. She was the 10th of 13 children born into the Gies family. Being the first girl after 6 boys Jeannie was extra special from day one of her life. Mom said the church bells were ringing the Sunday she was born. Jeannie left home at a young age to help her oldest brother Bill out in California with his family. She eventually returned to the Jocko Valley where she lived and worked until relocating to Washington State. Here she married Max Johnson and had her oldest daughter, Victoria Lynn. Jeannie and Victoria eventually returned to the Montana area where she married Dave Love and together they had Brandi Nicole. Jeannie and the girls in time moved back to Spokane and built their lives together there. Her true soul mate and husband of 20 years, David Swanson, preceded Jeannie in death in 2004. Following complications with her health Jeannie began to live with her youngest sister, Mary in Mead, WA. This arrangement proved a wonderful fit for them both, and was Jeannie’s home at the time of her death. Jeannie was filled with happiness to have her grandchildren close and was looking forward to camping and traveling with Mary in the coming days. Her garden spot was set to plant upon her return from vacation. Her father Alfred John, Mother Helen, brothers Bradley, Bill and Dan and her sister Kay, preceded Jeannie in death. Jeannie is survived by her daughters Vicki (& Dave) (Johnson) Swanson, Otis Orchards, WA, and Brandi (& Dale) (Love) Doer, St. Petersburg, FL; brothers Jim (WA), Stan (MT), Charley (NE), Randy (OK) and John (MO) and her sisters Shirley Tennison (AZ), Linda (AK) and Mary (WA). Her grandsons Austin and Skylar and granddaughters Tori, Nicole and Natalie as well as numerous nieces and nephews that she loved like her own, also survive her. The delight of her life, Sassy, also survives her and will remain with Mary at her home in Mead. Jeannie loved to cook and took great pleasure in sharing her culinary skills with friends and family. It was a natural fit for her to waitress, cook or manage several restaurants in Montana and Washington. Jeannie also found great joy in helping folks in need. She volunteered many hours to AA groups in the Spokane area and joyfully worked as a volunteer counselor to prisoners in need of a friend. Jeannie was cremated in Florida before her return to WA. A Celebration of Life Mass will take place on June 17 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Ignatius, Montana at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church where the church bells will ring for Jeannie a final time. A committal of Jeannie’s ashes will take place following the Mass at the Catholic Cemetery in St. Ignatius, MT. under the direction of Foster Funeral Home & Crematory in St. Ignatius. A Tribute page has been set up and may be visited by all at http://www.acommunityfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jeannie-Swanson/. Friends and family are encouraged to share a special memory or photo of Jeannie on this site.

Mrs. Jeannie Swanson

April 8, 1951 - April 21, 2013