Obituary of Michielle Swanson

Michielle Lynn Swanson, a woman who loved laughing and dancing, touched the hearts of many and passed away on Wednesday night at the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital after a long battle with cancer. As was typical of her selfless strength, she told her Emily, Matthew and Nora not to worry, everything would be ok. By far, her greatest joy was her three children, the pride seeing what fine young adults they have become and taking every opportunity to celebrate every single one of their achievements no matter how small. She was 53 years old. Michielle was born in Denver, Colorado. She grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was a 1979 graduate of Washington High School. She was a very independent and self-reliant person, determined to put herself through college despite interruptions due to financial aid and relocations. After attending several schools, such as Augustana and Hardin Simmons, she persisted and received her degree. During her college years, she also served in the Air Force achieving the rank of Senior Airman. After the Air Force, she was the office manager for a group of neurosurgeons in Abilene, TX. She moved to Lubbock, TX with her husband David, and worked as a portrait photographer. Then, they moved to New Hampshire with their first daughter, Emily, where she was a stay at home mom. While at home, she founded the charity, “Operation Homeland Cares” to support young military enlisted families in need of assistance. She was invited to speak at the Massachusetts State House regarding her charitable and advocacy work at local military bases. Michielle invented Carry-In-Comfort, which was a snuggle baby blanket insert that fit in a child’s car seat. She designed, manufactured, and sold her product for a number of years. When her children were older, in 2006, Michielle took on a new career in the FAA. Her first position was an executive assistant. She built strong friendships and fit right into the good humor and professionalism of her co-workers. Later, she moved to being a surveillance and program analyst in aerospace medicine. She traveled all over New England visiting medical offices on behalf of the FAA. When she traveled, she always brought her children and turned the trips into a mini-vacations. She was well respected and much loved by her coworkers in the FAA. When she became sick her co-workers donated thousands of hours of their personal vacation time to Michielle so she could focus on getting well. She was also blessed to have settled into a loving community. Meals for the family came while she was hospitalized. Thoughtful gifts encouraged her to get well and prayers for health were given for years. Michielle was a warm and vibrant person around her family and friends. Everything she touched has her heart imprinted upon it. She loved church and attended on Sundays when she was able. She loved decorating her home, tending to her flower gardens and having everything just so. Above all, her greatest passion was for her children and helping them to achieve their potential. She always put 100 percent into her children and their happiness. She tenderly helped them as they grew and had to make more difficult decisions. Michielle sent her children to Camp Nashoba North in Maine every summer where they made friendships and developed their own independence and confidence. Michielle set an example for her children to work hard, pay attention to details, be confident, make good decisions and always have fun. She organized many fun family trips to Disney, Colorado, South Dakota, Niagara Falls, lake vacations in New Hampshire and endless family activities and events. She was the planner and took care of every detail to make every trip a special memory. Her qualities of kindness, concern, organization, fortitude, humor, “doing it big”, and unconditional love can be seen in all of her children. Through her children, her spirit will live on. Lastly, she loved her dogs; Bogie, Kipper and Dakota. They sensed when she was sick and would cuddle up next to her to comfort her. Michielle was the beloved wife of David Swanson, her rock. She was the loving mother of her pride and joys; Emily and Nora Swanson of Burlington, and Cadet Matthew Swanson, US Air Force Academy. She was the daughter of the late Alinda Moss and sister of Chris & her husband Scott Burke and brother Scott Moss all of Sioux Falls, SD. She was the daughter-in-law of her best friend Patricia and John Swanson of Abington and sister-in-law of Karen and Michael Matheson of Bridgewater. She had many nieces and nephews whom she loved and prayed for as they made their own decisions and grew into adults. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 2-5 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3 at the Heritage Park Baptist Church, 129 Lexington Street, Burlington at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Michielle’s name may be made to Camp Nashoba North, 140 Nashoba Road, Littleton, MA 01460.