Marilyn June Swenson, of Plymouth, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Elmer and Marion Elizabeth (Hanson) Swenson. She was educated in Holden, where her family ran an antique shop. In 1981, she moved to Manomet and continued to run her family business, Antiques Potpourri, on State Road. Marilyn also worked as an administrative assistant for State Mutual Life Insurance Company and later for Almeida & Carlson Insurance.
As an active member of the Second Church of Plymouth, she taught Sunday school, directed Christmas pageants, and worked at the food pantry. She enjoyed plays and musicals and was involved with summer stock theater and the Holden Players. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing gin rummy with her family. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and spending time with family and friends. Known affectionately as “Grammy,” she was always there – encouraging her grandchildren and cheering from the sidelines. Marilyn had an immeasurable love for people. She was the heart of every family celebration, filling the room with infectious laughter, captivating stories, but most of all – a warm presence. Her home was always a place of comfort and love.
Her spirit, dedication, and warmth will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live in the hearts of those who loved her.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter Lisa McNamara and her husband Brian of Forestdale. She was the cherished grandmother of Patrick McNamara, Nicholas Swenson, Jacob Swenson, Lily McNamara, and Martin McNamara. She is also survived by her sister Karen Ranauro of Holden and her husband Anthony Ranauro, along with her nephew Tony, wife Robin, and great-niece and nephew Jillian and Ryan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. at the Second Church of Plymouth. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Second Church of Plymouth, PO Box 1754, Manomet, MA 02345, or online here.