Obituary of Blanche Birkeland Swanson

Blanche Birkeland Swanson passed away on June 13, 2015. “Tot” was born on June 16, 1937, in Crystal, Minnesota. Preceded in death by her parents, Russell & Blanche (Churchill) Birkeland and brother Michael “Mickey” Birkeland. “Tot” is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Robert “Bob” Swanson; siblings, Ruth (Gus) Matero and Russell (Carol) Birkeland; children, Robert “Rob” (Cindy) Swanson, Ronda (Scott) Hielscher, and Raquel Swanson; grandchildren, Alanna (Zac) Norick, Lucas Scott, Krista Swanson, and Sara Swanson; great-grandchildren, Vaida and Ellery Norick; many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Blanche grew up in New Brighton, Minnesota, did a stint at the University of Minnesota before graduating in nursing from the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing. After serving as missionaries in Mexico for 5 years, Blanche returned to Minnesota where she worked as a nurse and nurse educator for over 25 years. Blanche made everyone she came in contact with feel special. She loved dressing up and telling stories to kids - especially on Christmas Eve - playing violin, using her “fancy cups,” and, to the end, her willingness to always share smiles. The family would like to thank the staff at Ecumen Lakeview Commons for the excellent, respectful and compassionate care. A “Celebration of Life” service will take place Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 5:00 pm with visitation one hour prior at Cremation Society of Minnesota - Saint Paul, 1979 Old Hudson Road. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial to the non-profit or organization of your choice, or send a bunch of balloons to someone and tell them they’re “to celebrate Blanche (Tot).”