Mary Elizabeth "Johnson" Swynenberg, age 91, passed away on Sunday morning, March 9, 2025. We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend to all who knew her. Mary was born on February 17, 1934 in Valparaiso, Indiana. She is survived by her three children who loved her very much. They are Connie Swynenberg Hem of The Villages, FL (fiance Richard Soukup), Charles Lee Jr. (Valerie) Swynenberg of Davenport, IA, Nancy (Dave) Strothman of Millington, IL. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren whom she was extremely proud of. They are Ben (Dr. Kelly)Fredricks, Heidi Hem (fiance Greg Hanselman, Dr. Derek (Morgan) Hem, Matt (Abby) Swynenberg, Luke (Ashley) Strothman, Kaleb (Taylor) Strothman, Mike Swynenberg, and Kylie (Jake) Brewick. Mary was also blessed to have 14 precious great-grandchildren. They are Ashton, Payton, Kamron, Reese, Stella, Kenzie, Decker, Elliana, Elsie, Ethan, Audun, Maren, Ember and Forrest. Mary is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kay Swynenberg Hoover, brother-in-law, Billy Tabler, as well as 9 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck, her parents, Edwin and Jane Johnson, her dear sister, Frances May Damico, a sister-in-law and two brother-in-laws.

We cannot say enough about some very special neighbors, Ron and Cindy Pendzinski, and Rick and Lisa Fry, who have always looked over both Mom and Dad, taking care of anything that needed to be done when their 3 children weren't close by.

A very special person joined our family this past year when Mom's health situation required full-time, in-home care. Sekayi Marebesa has been an angel sent from up above to love and care for Mom, along with our family. We are forever grateful for Sekayi, her strong faith and beautiful heart.

Mary had a heart of gold and was treasured by the people in her life. She and Dad always put family first and loved to be there for their children and grandchildren, always giving their love and support to each one of them throughout their lives. She treasured her friends and was kind and giving to everyone she knew. Her passion was doing for others.

Mary also enjoyed cooking, sewing, working in her yard and caring for her home. Mary spent the majority of her working career as a dental assistant. She met many of her lifelong friends there. She was a devoted member of the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren for almost 63 years where she and Dad formed many more lifelong friendships.

She taught at the Hilltop Nursery School within the church, as well as Sunday School. She loved donating her time to help the less fortunate at places like The Hesed House, Pads, and Meals on Wheels. For over 60 years Mary was a member of the Boulder Hill Antique Study Group where she was the group historian for several years. She had the best time studying antiques with these ladies at monthly meetings in one another's homes.

Mary never spoke an unkind word about another soul, never complained and always saw the best in all. She never slowed down and always worked hard. Her health took a turn, and she has endured so much throughout this past year. She never once complained and always kept her strong faith, thanking all who cared for her, and continuously praising God. It has been our honor to have been there to support Mom. Her life was a gift to us all. She will be dearly missed.

May Mary's memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Mary on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at The Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren, 155 Boulder Hill Pass, Montgomery, IL (Boulder Hill). Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543.

For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com