Margerite (Harris) Swenson

MARGUERITE (HARRIS) SWENSON

Cedar Rapids

Marguerite Marie (Harris) Swenson passed away July 10, 2021, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a long struggle with cancer. Marguerite was born Sept. 13, 1942, to Fay and Elsie Harris of Cedar Rapids. She lived with her family on the grandparent's farm near Toddville during the World War II years, while her father served in the Northern European Theater. After the war her family moved to Cedar Rapids. She was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. Marguerite attended Rockford College (Illinois), majoring in Russian and German languages, and the University of Iowa. She married Jerry Swenson in June of 1963. They lived in Madison and Milwaukee in Wisconsin for many years where they raised several generations of Japanese Chin dogs. She was an avid collector of Oriental ceramic dogs.

Marguerite was an accomplished seamstress, artistic crafter and gardener. A beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews, her gifts to them through the years always had an air of suspense. One never knew what was going to be inside one of those well-wrapped and packed boxes. The kids always enjoyed the surprise collection of gifts inside. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, good natured, creative person who enjoyed being with her family and friends. Jerry and Marguerite moved back to Cedar Rapids in 2013 to help care for her mother, Elsie.

Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry in 2018; and her parents, Fay and Elsie. She is survived by her brothers, Dick and Patricia Harris, Albuquerque, N.M., Ken and Suzy Harris, Honolulu, Hawaii, Bill Harris and Celeste Bischel, Belleville, Wis., and Steve Harris, Wellesley, Mass.; her beloved and spoiled dog Panyo, who is being cared for by her cousin Vikki Novak (who will no doubt continue to spoil her); and by nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.