Margery Swanson Obituary

Margery Ann Swanson ISLE OF PALMS - Margery Ann Swanson, 85, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, just weeks after the passing of her beloved husband, Dean. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 31, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Harold and Marjorie (Tow) Peterson, Margery's early life on the family farm instilled in her a strong work ethic and a proud "farm girl" spirit. She graduated from Liscomb High School in 1957, where she distinguished herself as a scholar-athlete, being well known for her prowess on the basketball court. Margery went on to Iowa State University and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Education. While at Iowa State, she met the love of her life and partner of 62 years, Dean Swanson. Margery and Dean were married on July 15, 1962. Margery followed Dean to Okinawa after he began his career as a journalist in US Armed Forces Radio and TV. At the time, it was unusual for a wife to join her enlisted husband overseas, but, even back then, Margery and Dean were inseparable. Their time together in Asia ignited a lifelong passion for travel and adventure that would take them all around the world, ultimately giving them the rare opportunity to visit all seven continents. Following Dean's military service, they built their family, welcoming their sons, Steve (1967) in Schenectady, NY, and Shane (1971) in Denver, CO. Their journey eventually led them to their cherished home on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. While Dean became a familiar voice as a news anchor, Margery carved her own path as a teacher, a talented photographer, an engaged member of the Isle of Palms City Council, and a skilled graphic designer at the Medical University of South Carolina. The heart of Margery and Dean's life was their shared adventures. They embraced the world hand-in-hand, creating a wealth of memories and a home filled with music, love and laughter. Their shared passion for cooking allowed them to relive their travels through taste, generously sharing their culinary creations with family and friends. Margery's photographs, displayed throughout their home, served as lasting reminders of the extraordinary life they built together. While Margery and Dean lived life to its fullest, they also faced multiple challenges. Margery was a proud cancer survivor, having beaten an aggressive bone cancer while her sons were still very young. Dean suffered from both leukemia and prostate cancer, the latter of which eventually took his life. After 62 inseparable years, Dean passed away on March 22nd of this year. Their enduring bond proved stronger than time and Margery rejoined him just 29 days later. Margery leaves behind their children: Steven (Emily) and Shane (Tammy) Swanson, all of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren, Natalie (Ben) and Alexander, of Raleigh, NC, Zachary and Adam of Mount Pleasant, SC and great-grandson, Oliver of Raleigh, NC; and sisters-in-law, Joann (Rejean) Chartier of Fallbrook, California, Donna Oetker of Ankeny, Iowa, Joyce (Roni) Burns of Bolivar, Missouri, and Janet Swanson of Hudson, Iowa. She is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Margery was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dean, and brother-in-law, Don Swanson. The family will be holding a private memorial service to celebrate the remarkable lives of Margery and Dean at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the Coastal Conservation League (https://coastalconservationleague.org).