Mary Ann Alice Swanson

Mary Swanson, age 86, of Tyler and formerly of Sartell, Minnesota, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Avera Sunrise Manor Nursing home in Tyler, Minnesota. No services are planned at this time, a private burial and celebration of life will occur at a later date – please leave the family a memory or condolence in the digital guestbook.

Mary Ann Alice Rosten was born February 22, 1940, in Barrett, Minnesota, to Jacob and Ruby Rosten. At a young age, Mary’s mother developed heart disease so Mary took over many of the household duties and helped care for her two younger brothers. When Mary was 13, her mother passed away from heart disease. Just days later, her father passed away unexpectedly due to a car accident. She lost both of her parents within a week of each other and was separated from her two little brothers to be raised by three different relatives.

Her life changed for the better when she met the love of her life, Romie Swanson, in high school. Mary and Romie were married May 29, 1959, and spent over 71 years together. They had a daughter, Debra, and son, Todd, and made their home in St. Cloud, Cold Spring, and Sartell, Minnesota. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She loved attending any of her children’s sporting events, concerts, or other activities they were involved in. One of her favorite titles was that of Grandma and Great-Grandma. She loved spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids and loved watching them in their activities as well. It’s a role she cherished and was so good at!!

Mary was a hard worker and held a variety of different jobs, but one of her favorites was running the Stearns County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) in Cold Spring, Minnesota. She loved working with those children.

Mary’s house was always impeccably clean. She had a knack for decorating and she loved doing it. Her home was always so warm and welcoming. Mary also loved doing crafts, entertaining, and playing cards with friends and relatives.

Mary’s life took another unfortunate turn some years ago when she started battling dementia. She battled the disease for years much to the sadness of her friends and family. Mary died with family at her side on September 12, 2026, in Tyler, Minnesota. She reached the age of 86 years, 6 months, and 21 days. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her husband, Romaine Swanson of Lynd; children, Debra (and Calvin) Brink of Lynd, Todd (and Abby) Swanson of Hendricks; granddaughter, Jamie (and Justin) Thordson of Lynd with great-grandsons: Caden, Brogan, and Beckett; grandchildren, Ashley and Tyler Swanson of Gold Canyon, AZ; brothers, Dave (and Ruth) Rosten of Cambridge, and Dan (and Barb) Rosten of French Lake.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob & Ruby Rosten, and an infant brother.