Betty L. Swenson, 86

Betty L. Swenson, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully in the presence of her loving family on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Ebenezer Aurora on France in Edina after a long battle with breast cancer.  Betty was born on June 7, 1933 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Charles Nelson and Johnnie Grace (Hunter) Wilson.  She grew up in Odell, Oregon, and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class.  She married the love of her life, Orvin E. Swenson in Odell on January 5, 1952.  The couple settled in Rosemount, MN where they raised their son.  In 1976, they moved to New Prague, where they built their home on Cedar Lake.  Betty worked in a law office for a few years until she and her son, James, opened and operated their own business, JA Swenson and Associates.  Betty’s kindness was a hallmark of her life and her dedication to her family was inspirational, most notably as her husband’s health began to fail in his later years.   She enjoyed reading, gardening, and baking.  Time spent with her granddaughters and great-granddaughters filled her life with joy and purpose.

 Betty is survived by her loving granddaughters, Erica Sweet of Farmington and Elisa (Kallan) Nordby of Maple Grove; great-granddaughters, Lola & Stella Sweet, Harper Walerak, Olive & Florence Nordby; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Swenson of Burnsville; sister, Avo Guerino of Georgia; brother, William (Patricia) Carpenter of Pennsylvania.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Orvin on August 16, 2015; son, James Swenson on December 22, 2016; parents.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, September 20, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.  Visitation will take place beginning at 11:30 at the chapel.  Lunch will follow in the Garden Mausoleum at Lakewood Cemetery.