Obituary of Margaret M. Swendsen

Margaret M. Swendsen

December 30, 1927 – December 4, 2021, Formerly of Roslyn Heights and Williston Park, NY, after a long sad battle with dementia. Predeceased by her much loved and missed husband, Henry (1974) brother, Pat Brannigan (2011) and son, Christopher (2016). Survived by her daughters, Jean (Stan) Bileschi and Beth (Kevin) Dowd, adored grandsons Max (Katie) Bileschi, Ted, Will, Gavin & Nate Dowd and great grandsons, Charlie & Peter.  A proud graduate of Bayside High School (1945) ‘Lovely to look at, delightful to know’, and Queens College (1949), she taught at Roslyn Public Schools for more than 35 years. As a tremendously smart and independent woman, our mother was a head of her time in social thinking and political issues.  As a lifelong learner she loved reading about science, politics and current events . She meticulously cut-out newspaper articles, throughly enjoying distributing them to her children and grandchildren for premeal family discussion. She could always be found in her garden surrounded by backyard birds, her plants and flowers which she nurtured to full bloom. She loved each of us for who we were. Always listened without judgment, encouraged us, and gave excellent advice. Her words and her love  will continue to guide us every moment of our lives. We are so thankful she was our mother. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father.