Laurene M Swanson

Laurene M. Swanson, 97, of Port Huron, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

She was born May 4, 1928 in New Boston, Michigan to the late George and Margaret Marquardt. She married Albert D. Swanson on February 18, 1950 in Detroit, and they were married for 61 years before his death on April 1, 2011.

Laurene was a hard worker who left school early to help support her family. She worked at Timken-Detroit Axle Company, Brown Bun Bakery, Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Company, a local grocery store, a venetian blind factory, and for 3 summers on her grandparent’s farm, for which she had fond memories. After her children were born, Laurene went back to school and graduated Salutatorian of her night school class in 1966. She then spent several years as a reflexologist and as a nurse aide at Port Huron Hospital.

When growing up, Laurene took piano lessons and formed a strong bond with her teacher. Because of this early love of music, all three children took piano lessons and played instruments in the local band programs throughout middle and high school. Laurene delighted in being at home, taking care of her family, and living out her faith in Christ. She also enjoyed supplying food and clothing when she discovered a local need. For several years, Laurene enjoyed eating out and chatting with her “lunch buddies” at McDonald’s.

She is survived by her two daughters, Pearl Swanson and Darla Miller; five grandchildren, LtCol Eric D. Swanson USMC (LT Gabriela Swanson USNR), Jennifer Black (John), Nathan Miller (Caitlin), Stephen Swanson (Anjelica), and Zachary Miller; 11 great grandchildren, Emma Black, Katalina Swanson, Abby Black, Mia Swanson, Isabella Swanson, Sara Black, Chloe Miller, Grant Miller, Anna Miller, Signey Swanson, and Sonny Swanson; a sister, Evelyn Vasend; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Swanson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, David Swanson; an infant granddaughter, Lisa Swanson; two brothers, Frederick Marquardt and infant George Leonard Marquardt; and a sister, Edna Balactar.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home, 912 Lapeer Ave., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Reverend Phil Whetstone will officiate.

Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fort Gratiot Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mid-City Nutrition. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com