TRAVERSE CITY —
Elizabeth Margaret "Betty" Swanson, long time resident of Traverse City and Marco Island, Fla., passed away peacefully Sunday morning, May 15, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by her family.
Betty was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the only child of the late Margaret and James Hughes. She graduated from Utley High School in Flint and began working at Buick, where she met her husband, Chester "Chet" Swanson. They moved to Traverse City in 1964, when Chet purchased the Oldsmobile/Cadillac dealership.
Betty's friends will remember her passion for bridge, traveling the world, and current events. As an avid and eclectic reader, she was appreciated for her conversational ability on a wide range of topics, as well as a quick and quirky sense of humor.
Proud of her heritage, Betty was a active correspondent with her Irish kin, as well as a collector of the country's crystal and china.
Betty spent many years with her family boating on the Great Lakes, and was a active member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. In Flint, she served as president of the Women's Optimist Club, and as a member of various charitable organizations. She was instrumental in creating and managing volunteer activities for the original Buick Open in Grand Blanc.
She will forever be remembered by her loving husband, Chet; daughters, Denice Swanson and Janice Swanson Carda; her sons-in law, James Ryan and Michael Carda; and her granddaughter, Caitlin Woods.
Family and friends are invited to her viewing Wednesday, May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, on Sixth St. in Traverse City.
Celebrate Betty's life with services at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 19, at The Presbyterian Church on Westminster, where she and Chet were longtime members.
Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
Local arrangements were made with Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home of Traverse City.