Darlene G. Swanson

Darlene G. Swanson (Kammer), 71, of Macomb Township passed away Sunday, June 26 after a long battle with cancer. Darlene was born in Mount Clemens, the youngest child of Norman and Alma Kammer. She was a devoted wife, the best mom ever, and an uncommonly good friend and listener. In May of 1966, husband-to-be Albert ‘Rick’ Swanson bought their marriage license and Darlene kept the receipt from that monumental $3 purchase with her everywhere she went for the rest of her days. Theirs was a marriage for the ages: blessed with simple, loving moments like holding hands whenever possible and slow dancing in the living room to their favorite oldies music. Darlene was born to be a wife and mom and put her whole heart and soul into making sure her family felt loved every day – with traditions like waving at the window every time her son left the house and singing songs on long distance phone calls with her daughter. Darlene traveled regularly with Rick to their favorite Up North destination in Frankfort, Michigan, renewing marriage vows at St. Ann Catholic Church for their 30th anniversary in 1996. After retirement, Darlene and Rick spent many relaxing and fun-filled summer months in Illinois with their daughter and ‘favorite’ son-in-law. They also made it as far as the Hawaiian Islands for a family trip and it was off the coast of Maui where Darlene discovered a passion for snorkeling. At the age of 67, she jumped in with both feet and a beautiful grin and didn’t look back. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 4 with a small but joyful family party. Darlene enjoyed gardening, knitting and crocheting, and playing bridge with neighborhood friends. Good days included a bit of yard work accompanied by welcome breaks with visiting neighbor kids, their parents, and even dogs. Darlene truly was a master at the lost art of listening. Family, friends, and neighbors both young and old – everyone was drawn to her loving spirit and generous heart. Honor her memory by taking time to truly listen; it’s the best way to show people you love them. Darlene is survived by her loving husband Rick; devoted children Heather and Eric, son-in-law Jim ‘I love you’ Wankowski, granddaughter Paige and great granddaughter Hannah. She is also survived by her beloved big brother Duane (Helen) Eisenhardt, sister Sharon Knepp, and sisters-in-law Pat (Jim) Stark, Sheri (Joe) Lauro, Joy (Harland) Mayes, and Julie (Ed) Stenger, 18 cherished nieces and nephews, and many more family and friends both near and far. Last but not least, Darlene leaves behind a neighborhood of wonderful families who surrounded her and lifted her up with more love and support than you could ever imagine. Darlene was predeceased by her parents and her eldest brother Donald Eisenhardt. We thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Macomb Internal Medicine Associates, McLaren Macomb Hospital, McLaren Hospice, and the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center, with especially deep and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sanjay Vora, D.O. Special thanks to Dr. Stephen Franklin, M.D., and Dr. Salmen Fateh, D.O., for their compassionate treatment. Memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 1 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market Street in Mount Clemens. Interment will be private. The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society ~ https://donate.cancer.org/index Please share a memory at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Darlene G. Swanson

March 26, 1945 - June 26, 2016