Frances "Babe" Swanson

September 10, 1928 - February 18, 2020

Frances A.“Babe” Swanson, 91, of Kingsford, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Maryhill Manor Nursing Home in Niagara. Frances was born in Calumet, Michigan on September 10, 1928 to the late James and Mary (Vairo) Coello. Being the youngest of the family, she forever became known as Babe. Babe shared many fond memories of growing up in the Copper Country. A visit to her aunt and uncle in Detroit in the late 1940's led her to a job as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell, working out of the Royal Oak and Birmingham offices. After several years, she requested a transfer to Iron Mountain, to live closer to her sister. Upon moving here, she enjoyed playing in the local softball and bowling leagues. On October 16, 1954, Babe was united in marriage to Roger Swanson of Kingsford at St. Mary's Church in Calumet. She stopped working to raise three sons. She later returned to Bell, working in the switch room, retiring in 1988. She gathered with her friends of the "399 Club" for 65 years. Babe and two of the members, including Betty Anderson and Irene Ebidon, continued to play cards every Friday up through October. Babe also enjoyed watching the Packers, Michigan State basketball, Jeopardy and working puzzles. Babe cherished the time she·spent with her grandson. She was a wonderful grandmother and her grandson was the light of her life. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all she met. She enjoyed many neighborhood and family gatherings. She was a wonderful cook. Babe's faith was strong. She was a lifetime and faithful member of American Martyrs Catholic Church. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Teresa) of Kingsford, Mark (Kim) of Colorado and Todd (Beth) of Negaunee; grandson, Matthew of DePere, Wisconsin and granddaughter, Desi (Mike) McNally of Colorado; a great-grandchild; along with many caring nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years; her brothers, Jim, Joseph (Gloria) and Robert Coello; sisters, Johanna (Bernie) Gravier and Marie (Chester) Butler; also in-laws KO and Elsie Swanson, Elmer and Lois Freeberg, Alton.and Ricki Swanson, Doreen and Vern Josephson and John and Arlene McDonough. We would like to thank the many friends and family who called, prayed, visited and asked about her. We also want to thank Kris for all her visits, special neighbors, including Pat and Karen Ellis and Geri Henry. We would also like to thank the Denise and Steve Feira family and the Nancy Bal family for always including her in all their gatherings. You were an important part of her family. Special thank you to caregiver Kay and to the staff at Maryhill Manor over the past months for the care they provided. The family would also like to thank all other health care providers, including Dr. Funtanilla, for their wonderful care over the past years. Babe was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her strength, positive attitude, determination and thoughtfulness will always be remembered. What a blessing to have had you for 91 years. We will miss you more than you will know. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, from 8:30 until 10:30 am at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am on Friday at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Frances “Babe” Swanson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral home with the arrangements.