Obituary of Joy Sievert

Joy Sievert (Swanson), 83 of Shoreview, MN, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on February 26, 2022.

Joy was born in St. Paul, MN to Robert and Lorraine Swanson.  She later attended White Bear Lake High School from which she still had many good friends to this day.  She was the older of two daughters and is survived by her sister, Kay, who lives in Colorado.

Joy met her husband, Harland, in Mankato, MN where they both attended college and they were married in 1958.  They moved to the Twin Cities after school and raised their family; a daughter, Shannon, and a son, Greg.  They lived in Roseville before moving to Shoreview in 1974 where they have resided ever since.

Joy worked as an elementary school teacher in the Mounds View School District for 25 years and was honored to have influenced many young students.  When she later retired, she started volunteering at the Shoreview Public Library that continued for 16 years.  Joy was an avid reader and enjoyed her teaching and library days.  

Joy and Harland were passionate travelers who took many car trips with their children in the early days.  Later, they would enjoy ski trips to Utah, spa trips to New Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Greece, Turkey, the Mediterranean as well as other countries in Europe. They met many people along the way who they would become lifelong friends that they stayed in touch with.

Joy is survived by her loving husband Harland, daughter Shannon DeSmith of River Falls, WI, son Greg (Wendy) of Muskego, WI, as well as 5 grandchildren (Alyssa, Robb, Dan, Tyler and Jeff), their significant others, and two great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her son in law, Steven DeSmith.  The family will have a private celebration of her life, but would like to thank the many good friends Joy developed in life for their well wishes and prayers.

In memoriam, the family encourages donations to the Friends of the Libraries- Ramsey County Library System-Shoreview Branch. Please mention Joy Sievert’s name on the donation.  

Here is the link (please copy and paste in URL in order to access): 

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E330221&id=62