Margaret Swenson

Margaret Verene Swenson, age 98, went home to be with the Lord on July 2, 2008.  Verene was born on November 27, 1909 in Clinton, Oklahoma to Fred L. and Minnie (Dow) Jones.  Preceding her in death were her husband Linn, her parents, brother Langley Jones, sister Nell Lee, daughter Jacqueline Kent, and son Robert Cox.  Survivors are stepson Michael Linn Swenson of Milwaukee, WI; stepdaughter LaRhea (Swenson) De LaMare of AZ; seven grandchildren:  Ann (John) Taylor of Raleigh, NC; Allan (Sally) Cox of Brooklyn, NY; David (Lori) Kent of Modesto, CA; and Stephen (Melanie) Kent of Staatsburge, NY;  Rhonda, Leslie, and Kristen; and 12 great-grandchildren, plus other relatives and friends. Verene married Linn Swenson on June 20, 1953 in Albuquerque, NM and in 1957 they moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin.  Swenson Drive in the Town of Brookfield is named after Linn in recognition of his years of community service.  Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Verene was active professionally, having been a sales manager at various department stores in Kansas and New Mexico and was a member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club.  In Brookfield, the Swensons were among the founding members of the Westbrooke Wesleyan Methodist Church.  As charter members they served in many capacities throughout their lives. Her late husband, Linn served as the church treasurer.  Verene’s first ministry at Westbrooke Wesleyan Church was teaching and working with the children and young people.  Mrs. Swenson taught several generations of students in the church’s Sunday school, and leaves behind a legacy of active members of the church who had passed through her classroom doors.  Mrs. Swenson had a passion for life, and remained active throughout her years.  In high school she played on the women’s basketball and softball teams.  She became an active golfer later in life.  She was an accomplished painter, and Verene was happiest when making gifts and doing oil and watercolor paintings for friends and family.   She was as well an enthusiastic gardener and decorator, known for having a picturesque yard and magnificent floral garden.  In her later years, Verene enjoyed international travel where she visited most of the national parks in the U.S., and her travels around the world were extensive. A celebration of Verene’s life will be held at Westbrooke Wesleyan Church, 21300 W. Greenfield Ave., New Berlin, WI on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 11 a.m.  A private burial will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Westbrooke Wesleyan Church (address above) would be appreciated. For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an on-line tribute.