Karen Eileen Swanson

Karen Eileen Swanson (Marks) (63)  

Born December 14, 1960 in Peoria, IL to Ann and Bill Swanson, the third of four children; siblings Kathy, Brian, and Christopher. She graduated from the University of Montana with her BA and MA in English. In Missoula she married and raised Emily and Neil. She taught for 34 years for Missoula County Public Schools at Rattlesnake and CS Porter Middle Schools; and Willard Alternative and Hellgate High Schools. She even hosted Pea Green Boat for a couple of years. Karen, having learned creativity and service from her parents, a graduate of UC Berkley in science and a Presbyterian minister, inspired many (students, colleagues, and friends alike) to advocate for themselves and others, and to give of themselves, living as an example. 

Karen held many close to her heart:  her Spirit of Peace community; her circle of sisters (you know who you are!); special adopted/loved daughters, sons and grandchildren; her thousands of former students whose lives were changed-whether they recognized it at the time; and certainly her family and friends. Karen had a passion for life, quick wit, and caring nature. Watch out playing Scrabble with the Swansons!

In 2017 Karen sought change and found Cusco, Peru, a country with beautiful mountains, good food, and, more significantly for her, chocolate and coffee! She learned that Cusco’s true value lies in its people. Within those six years she formed many deep relationships, embraced the culture, learning Spanish and a little Quechua. She explored the area on foot, making connections and serving wherever she went. Several friends visited her new home and met those she called “mi familia.” There she taught English to elementary kids, but later found her most rewarding work (with Willard a close second):  teaching children at the Missionaries of Charity home for 75 homeless and disabled men, women and children. Karen helped acquire solar for the home, not an easy task. Later asked to work instead with the elderly, primarily giving foot care, she did so much more. She spoke of accompanying some while on the final journey, singing and holding their hands. This was done for her as she left this world on June 27, 2024 from cancer.  Always a morning person, she set off on the journey before sunrise with birds singing outside. 

Instead of flowers, donate to Doctors Without Borders, the Carter Center, Kiva or your favorite charity. Karen’s celebration of life (the party she planned) will be on July 27 at 4:00 pm at Orchard Homes Country Life Club. Bring stories to share; the first one will be hers.