Shirley J. Swanson

Shirley J. (Hynniman) Swanson, age 85, of Hermitage, PA, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at her residence. Shirley was born February 27, 1935 in Sharon, PA, to the late Onnie R. and Veronica P. (Hanley) Hynniman. She married Raymond B. Swanson on August 18, 1956 by candlelight as a tornado had knocked out the power. They were married 52 years until his death on September, 8, 2008.
Shirley was a 1953 graduate of Hickory High School and went on to Sharon General Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated near the top of her class in 1956. Many of her classmates said she was sharp and the reason the rest of them got through.
Shirley went on to work in the operating room for many years as a surgical nurse and as an assistant nurse for Dr's. Luchette, Yanichko, Sass and Brown. Even after her retirement, she filled in often as a nurse when needed and drove to administer allergy shots.
Family meant everything to Shirley, and she loved having family together, no matter where it was, "because we'll have fun no matter where we are." She took great pride in her family history, regularly communicating with distant relatives in Finland and Ireland. She looked forward to the annual Flynn-Hanley family reunion and encouraged future generations to do the same.
Shirley raised five children of her own and doted over her grandkids and great-grandkids. She relished teachable moments, and ensured family vacations were always educational. Shirley never missed a birthday or an anniversary and enjoyed making memorable moments with all her kids and grandkids. Christmas was extra special and she would go to great lengths to make it so for others.
She was an active officer for numerous Hermitage school and booster organizations, including sports, band, drama, and parent-teacher groups. She helped get much needed new band uniforms for the Hickory School Band, chaperoned trips, did fundraising, coordinated concessions and sewed drama and mascot costumes and formal gowns. As class treasurer she helped organize her high school class reunions. She served as a surrogate mother to every child she met, through family friends, sports, and loved when they called her "Grandma Swede."
The tires rarely cooled on Shirley's car, taking kids back and forth to school events. She was always happy to take other kids and fondly missed that hyper-activity when they were older.
She continued to support Hermitage schools long after her kids graduated and was a loyal fan of Hickory sports, especially their basketball teams. She attended in person until it was no longer possible and then would sit by her radio cheering on the Hornets and relaying stories of them to out-of-town family and friends.
Her skills as an artisan were vast, referring to herself as a "farm kid that was just determined to figure things out." She enjoyed baking, gardening, extensive canning, sewing, painting, quilting and teaching others these crafts. She made ornate wedding cakes and decorations. Her computing and technology skills were impressive for her age. She could handle a hammer and a circular saw and was not afraid to tackle renovation projects. She created a historical family cookbook and made her husband an elaborate miniature Hot Dog Hut when he joked that he was going to open one after retirement. She drove her son's product delivery box truck when he was unable to do so after surgery, so he could still earn a wage. She designed her and Ray's log home on graph paper and oversaw construction in 1988. Shirley was an avid reader, especially of history. She served as a poll worker and election judge for the Mercer County Elections Board for many years.

Shirley's home was always warm and inviting. Family photos and heirlooms of special significance were everywhere. There was always an extra plate for anyone that happened to tag along or drop by. No one was ever turned away.
Shirley made clothes and dolls and other items to be donated for many years, until her hands could no longer do so. She loved and appreciated music. She played Clarinet and was in both the high school and church choir. She was a soloist in church and had some singing parts in school plays. She enjoyed attending performances by her many talented grandchildren.
Shirley was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville and also attended Covenant Presbyterian Church and West Middlesex Presbyterian Church.
Shirley is survived by five children; son Greg and Kellie Swanson, Hollywood FL; son Doug and Carol Swanson, Industry, PA; son Jeff and Mellany Swanson of Akron, OH; daughter Jenean and Terry Lord of Tallassee, AL; and son Gary and Maureen Swanson of Hermitage, PA; eighteen grandchildren, Alicia (Chris) Maynard, Corey (DJ) Swanson, Thomas Kubber, Trevor (Kristan) Swanson, Amber (Steve) Zaffino, Brittany Swanson (James Seus), Doug Swanson Jr (Sara), Rachael, Taylor, Colin, Ben, Mariah Swanson, Austin and Aaron Cornelius, Brian (Jamie) Lord, Sara (Richard) Lord Chandler, Samantha Lord and Jacob Lord (Courtney Robinson). Twenty-three great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Preston, Brianna, Abigail (Due May 12th), James, Morgan, Hailey, Liam, Braylin, Cameron, Izabella (coming soon), Kaylen, Landen, Kendall, Luke, Madalyn, Jon Robert, Lilly, Molly, Taylor, Katlyn, Caleb, Avery, one brother Clifford Hynniman of Lexington, KY, one sister Rita (Albert) Breinz of Leetonia, OH, and a sister-in-law Patricia Hynniman of Butler, PA, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother Larry Hynniman, a grandson Jason Swanson, and a great-grandson Nickolas Maynard.
The family will hold a private visitation and service. Burial will be in America's cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to First Responders Covid 19 Children's Foundation at 1strcf.org or Mercer County Community Food Bank 109 A Sharpsville Ave. Sharon, Pa. 16146.
Arrangements are being handled by the Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home LLC, 264 E. State Street, Sharon, PA, and on-line condolences may be offered by visiting stevensonfuneralhome.net.