First Name

Last Name

Randy

Giusta

Mark Dwight

Anderson Carlson

Memories of Maryann Swanson Maryann was not just the best mother-in-law that I could have asked for, she loved me in ways that my birth mom was unable to. Maryann was always such an encourager, and from the day I met her, I felt accepted and appreciated. When Judy and I were dating at Westmont College, Maryann would write to Judy to hear how our relationship was progressing, and I always felt like she was promoting me and encouraging our love for each other. Visiting her beautiful home for the first time, I was touched by her love, her cooking, and her genuine interest in me. Mom liked me, and sometimes that is even stronger than love. She was my fan! She would ask me about my interests, my faith, and the ministry that our Lord had given to me. She loved to listen, and to encourage. Mom taught Judy and I how to stretch our limited income, and when people ask how we have been able to do youth ministry for the past 44 years, that is definitely a contributing factor. She taught us how to live within our means, and how to begin each month by writing the first checks to the ministries and charities that we were supporting. Mom was a great teacher and role model, as well as a bright student. She was always there to teach us about family, gardening, cooking, and of course loving each other and loving Jesus, but equally willing to ask questions and to seek advice whenever she thought that Judy or I could help her. One fun and vivid memory is how Maryann would most often do her Christmas and birthday gift shopping at the Alpine Attic Thrift Shop where she volunteered. This very act said so much about her. 1. She wanted to support Alpine Conference Center so that others could know Jesus. 2. She loved a good deal. 3. It was a way to limit waste, and to recycle used articles. 4. She volunteered there every week, and it saved time shopping else where. The most comical memory of this behavior was when our daughter Kelsey was maybe 5 or 6 years old, and her grandmother 'Ma" presented her with a beautifully wrapped gift. (In paper that the had recycled) When Kelsey opened the stuffed animal, she lovingly replied, "Ma, this stuffed toy looks like it has been loved before." Well that became our tagline for the next couple of decades, "Mom, this ________ looks like it has been loved before." Well praise God, this fun memory reminds of of Maryann's thoughtfulness, her service to our Lord, her stewardship of her finances as well as our earth, and of course her limitless love for all of us. I thank God for Mom, and I already miss her so much, and I am comforted to know she is with the ones she loves the most. I don't have a specific "Maryann" story to tell, but it's impossible to think of Bob Swanson and not think of Maryann and the wonderful times spent with them and their family that go back to my early childhood. My lasting impression of her is that she was always unassuming, and cheerful. One of my aunts, who grew up in the same church, once told me she had always looked up to Maryann. She was just a good, solid person. Two great people; they will be missed. Isn’t that just like Maryann to make sure Bob was safely with Jesus before letting her own life go and receive her richly deserved, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I can’t separate Maryann from laughter. And I heard it countless times over the years. When I was in seventh grade and Bill was in eighth, we decided to ride our bikes from Bill’s house in LA to Westmont College in Santa Barbara where Judy was studying. We were going to stay with some hammer-thrower boyfriend on Westmont’s track team named Randy…Giusta. We left Bill’s house before dawn with map in hand. After about a hundred miles, a flat tire, and an accidental ride or two on the freeway, we finally made it. Our butts were SO sore! It took me a couple days to walk normal again. A few days later an angel appeared. Her name was Maryann. She arrived in an old white truck to take Bill and me and our bikes back to LA so we wouldn’ t have to make the 100-mile return trip. That day, that old truck was the most beautiful one I had ever seen! Yep, she laughed at that one for quite awhile…probably laughing still…

Joel

Kathy

Anderson

Anderson

I agree...impossible to think of one without the other. Maryann was one of "the moms." I don't think I ever saw her without a smile. I DO remember her laugh! :D "Haha" at Joel Anderson's story...I remember that one! I've always thought Judy, like Maryann and Bill, like Bob. How fortunate I am to have grown up with and around such warm, wonderful, gracious people. My husband, Bob Howard and I attended many functions with Maryann and Bob; UCLA Football games, Dodger games, tennis parties at the Olson's (Roadrunner Club) etc. We loved Maryann and Bob, their kindness, love of life, and their faith. They were always kind and thoughtful. They even let two of our daughters use their fancy car on their wedding day! I use to tell Bob all the time "if I could model my life after any person I know, it would be Maryann". What a perfect lady, wife, mother and grandmother. I'll miss them both.....but feel blessed they were part of our lives. Who knows, maybe the two Bobs' are playing tennis together again! With fond memories,

Rachelle

Howard

Rachelle

First Name

Janet

Last Name

Lundberg

Memories of Maryann Swanson Both Maryann and Bob were dear friends to Bill and me. Bill served with Bob on different conference boards. I remember both Bob and Maryann as being such dedicated Christians and so willing to serve others. Maryann was an inspiration to me as a pastors wife and I wanted to be like her. She always had something kind and good to say. Keeping in touch as we moved around the country in pastorates was such a joy. God bless you all as you celebrate a life lived for the Lord. Bill and Jeanette, I was sorry to learn of both of your parents death. From viewing the pictures and knowing them here in the neighborhood they had a wonderful and loving life. Bill, thank you for being such a positive role model for Kent. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Ann

Fleming

Jerry & Diane

Rombotis

Karin

(Johnson) Corr

Mel & Mary

Nygren

Ann Fleming We have so many delightful memories of Bob and Maryann. We were neighbors when the children were growing up and we got to know what womderful folks they were and that they were such loving and caring parents. We didn't get a chance to see them in later years but we did keep in touch through phone calls. Everyone that knew Bob and Maryann were truly blessed. Love to you all, Jerry and Diane Maryann and Bob are part of my earliest memories, as they were up-the-street neighbors and my parents' longtime friends. Billy and I played together, and my sister Terri was good friends with Judy. I spent lots of time at the Swansons' house: after school, at special occasion gatherings, moms getting together for lunch.... And who could forget the two families together at the cabin in Crestline, where Billy and I got into a mud-slinging "gooshy-goo" contest! The last time I saw Maryann and Bob, at Geri Hendrickson's memorial, we were still laughing about it! :). Maryann was a very special lady and one of my mom's best friends. I'm so glad they got to talk her shortly before her passing and laugh about old times! When thinking about Maryann, we think of a woman who served God without fanfare or recognition in two areas that we were familiar with. She had a dedication to teaching the children in Sunday School at Rolling Hills Covenant, which she did faithfully for 34 years. She also enjoyed working with Alpine Angels at the Thrift Shop. She would be so excited about the profits raised to be able to give back to Alpine for improvements or scholorships. I think she served as the bookkeeper for a number of years. That was a great joy for her. Although we first met Maryann & Bob back in 1956, our best time with them were in these last 10-15 years when we enjoyed lots of social times together. They were both special to us and we are missing them. Maryann and I worked together in the Kindergarten Sunday School class at Rolling Hills Covenant Church for so many years, and I have very special memories of our times together. Maryann was a wonderful friend and mentor to me, and I learned so much about living the Christian life from her. She encouraged me to grow spiritually, and I always knew I could confide in her and receive wise counsel. We had lots of fun times, too, and especially enjoyed getting together to make the Baby Jesus bread dough ornaments that we gave to the children at Christmas time.

Joan

Randall

Elaine

Magnuson

Maryann will always have a very special place in my heart. Maryann was a treasure -- She was a caring, cheerful, delightful person......Always fun to be around. We had many good times with Maryann and Bob. Being invited to Dodger games and UCLA games always meant delicious lunches provided for us by Maryann. And what ambition! -going back to school in later life to get her College degree - Amazing. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed! Maryann was a sweet and godly woman. My favorite about Maryann was that she was going to college with me at Cal State Dominguez Hills. We would frequently see each other. I was so happy that she was there it was always nice to see her sweet smile. I would frequently tell people that we went to college together, just to catch them a little off guard. She and Bob were pillars at Rolling Hills Covenant and always were loving, kind and thoughtful. Can't wait for all our friends and family to join up at the feet of our Saviour.

Cheryl

(Bagby) Hanley

First Name

Last Name

Gordon & Patricia

Kirk

Sherri

Anderson Luhr

Jim & Joan

Randall

Memories of Maryann Swanson As we joined the Pastoral Team at RHCC, our daughter, Kristina, was immediately embraced by her Kindergarten Teachers, Maryann Swanson and Joan Randall. Five years later, our Son, Jonatha, was privileged to enjoy the same embrace, teaching, creative crafts, and Bible stories that they remember to this day. Both Kristina and Jonathan continue to remember and give thanks for Maryann and Joan -- transformation, Christ-like servant-teachers. As a couple, we reflect back on Maryann's 'open-heart' as she uniquely and lovingly embraced new friends. We will never forget her 'open home' as she hosted us, fed us, celebrated with us, and always had an open door for friends. We celebrate her 'open hands' as she served her Lord with such faithful, sacrificial, and creative team commitments as Sunday School Teacher, Alpine Attice, and Alpine Angels. Her life will always be remembered as one who served others. One of our favorite discussions was related to Swedish Christmas traditions. My Mom was Swedish, so we grew up celebrating Christmas Eve with so many Swedish gourmet delights and through the year always enjoyed Swedish Meatballs and red potatoes! How we would laugh about the IKEA Swedish dining room! Very seldom bought any furniture -- but, loved the Swedish cafeteria entres and being able to purchase their special brand of Swedish meatballs and cookies! Both Maryann and Bob have GREATLY impacted everyone who God placed in their lives -- family, neighbors, friends, and God's people throughout the world. Thanks Judy and Bill for providing this opportunity to say 'THANK YOU' for your Mom's influence and impact in our lives. MaryannandBob--one word, which is the ultimate compliment to Maryann. They were a fabulous team, and I am sure they each shared captain and cocaptain duties as the circumstances arose. I remember her cheerfulness, her joy of life, and her fun and infectious laugh. Such a team--so not surprising at all that they went to heaven--together. Perfect. Maryann and I worked together in the kindergarten Sunday School class at Rolling Hills Covenant Church for so many years, and I have very special memories of our times together. Maryann was a wonderful friend and mentor to me, and I learned so much about living the Christian life from her. Shen encouraged me to grow spiritually, and I always knew I could confide in her and receive wise counsel. We had lots of fun times too, and especially enjoyed getting together to make the baby Jesus bread dough ornaments that we gave to the children at Christmas time. Maryann will always have a very special place in my heart. Bob and Maryann were encouraging, loving, and fun.They were first my parent's friends, but soon became mine. I loved meeting up with them on the patio on Sunday mornings at RHCC and their encouragement to walk with Christ and serve others. I will always remember Bob's dry-tooth smile, and Maryann's head back laugh. Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones. Psalm 116:15

Lynnie

Kooker