Molly Swanson

For Molly Swanson, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She loved her four children and four grandchildren equally and unconditionally, and many of her happiest memories in life involved the forty-five years she spent with her beloved husband, John. Indubitably, Molly loved to be surrounded by her family, and loved being a wife, mother and grandmother to the people who brought her life extraordinary joy.

1942 was a time of war for our country, yet in spite of the rationing and tough times, the films and music of that year gave people the opportunity to express their affection for each other. This included one of the most romantic films ever, Casablanca, and the Andrews Sisters’ hit song “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else But Me.” In Grand Rapids, Michigan, John Martin Malloy, a commercial photographer, and his wife, Dorothy Marie (Steck), were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new love in their life. On July 21, 1942, they delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Molly Ann.

Molly grew up in a loving home on 143 Delony SW in Grand Rapids. She received her education at Straight Elementary School and Union High School, where she graduated in 1960. Molly was musically inclined and played the violin in high school and in a youth symphony. She was also a part of a small vocal group while in high school, where she became better acquainted with fellow classmate, John Swanson. It wasn’t long before the two began dating and their love for each other blossomed over the next two and a half years. In 1962, John and Molly were happily married at her church, Faith United Methodist Church, in Grand Rapids, and honeymooned in northern Michigan.

Over the next several years, John and Molly were blessed with four wonderful children: Kurt Martin in 1964, Bryan Matthew in 1966, Nicole Corrine in 1968, and Timothy John in 1970. Molly loved being a mother to her four children and was always very involved in their schooling and other activities. Once they were off to school, she would leave little notes of encouragement on their lunch bags, reminding them she loved them dearly. Time together as a family was always important to John and Molly and every summer for twenty years they vacationed as a family in Leland, Michigan, sharing many unforgettable memories. Once the children were grown, John and Molly enjoyed getting away for the weekend to Grand Haven. When they were later blessed with four grandchildren, Molly poured the same amount of love into these relationships as she did her own children.

Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Molly loved to give of her time and talents serving in many different capacities in church groups and committees. She was a longtime faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church, where she will be dearly missed. Molly also served on the Kenowa Hills School Board for over fifteen years. When it came to her leisure time, Molly enjoyed curling up with a book by one of her favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks or Richard Paul Evans. Being a real morning person, she enjoyed meeting up with family and friends at Bob Evans for some breakfast and good conversation.

What gave Molly the great joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed – her love. It is a gift none of her family will ever forget.

Molly Ann Swanson, age 65 of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully at Faith Hospice on Monday, October 22, 2007, with her family at her side. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Swanson; her children: Kurt and Sue Swanson, Bryan Swanson, Nicole and Mark Schuur, Tim and Tonya Swanson; her grandchildren: Rachel, Holly, Luke and Jack; her mother, Mrs. Dorothy Malloy; nieces, nephews and many friends.

A service to celebrate Molly’s life will be held on Thursday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 2600 7th Street NW, Grand Rapids. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Wednesday, October 24, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, and again on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins. Memorial contributions may be made in Molly’s memory to Faith United Methodist Church or Gilda’s Club. Please visit Molly’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.