Age 76, of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Was a caring wife, stepmother, step-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She passed away peacefully on December 27, 2022 after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.Mary was born in Warren, MN on February 26, 1946 to Allard and Isabelle Swanson. Mary grew up in Argyle, MN where she attended Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School and graduated from Argyle High School in 1963.After graduation, Mary attended Thief River Falls Technical School where she earned her Business/Accounting Degree. Mary then started her first job as an accountant for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. She continued to work at MNDOT for her entire 44-year career.Together for almost 50 years, Mary married the love of her life Tommie Milton, Sr. in 2007. Making their home in Inver Grove Heights, Mary and Tommie were actively involved in their church. Mary supported numerous organizations helping veterans, animals and people in need. Mary’s favorite past times included cooking, baking, entertaining friends and family, attending plays, crafting and playing cards.Mary never missed bringing a plate of cookies or brownies to an appointment. The medical staff always looked forward to seeing her smiling face and being the recipients of her amazing baked goods!Mary had many friends and was well known for her kindness, generosity, and for making this world a better place! Mary will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by everyone who knew her.Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Allard and Isabelle Swanson; step-daughter, Almarie Walker; aunts, uncles and cousins.Mary is survived by her husband, Tommie Milton, Sr.; sisters, Susan Hjelle (Mason) and Kay Lagred (Marlon); stepchildren, Schannell Milton, Tommie Milton, Jr., Randy Milton, Troy Milton; many cousins, nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren and her beloved dog Bella.A funeral service for Mary Ellen Swanson will be held at Saint Stanislaus Church, 398 Superior Street, Saint Paul, MN on January 12, 2023 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.Lunch will be served at Digidio’s Restaurant after the service.
Inurnment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Argyle, MN at a later date.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary’s name to one of Mary’s favorite charities: Animal Humane Society and Wounded Warriors.