Mary Jo Swanson

In Memory of Mary Josephine (Soppe) Swanson

Mary Josephine (Soppe) Swanson, born on June 25, 1944, at her grandparent’s farmhouse in Tipton, Iowa passed away on March 27, 2026, surrounded by family in her home in Loveland, Colorado.

Mary Jo lived on Iowa farms until her teenage years. At the age of 14, she met her future husband, Gary Swanson, who to this day, says that the day he saw her, he knew he’d marry her. Mary Jo and Gary married in 1964, spending the next 62 years together. They raised three children of their own, followed by a niece and three nephews.

Embracing the Golden Rule, Mary Jo lived her life helping, accepting, and loving family, friends, and community members. She enjoyed visiting with all people, learning about them, and caring for them. A mother, and surrogate mother to many, she embodied her nickname, Mommy Jo. She taught Sunday School and led youth groups. She seemed happiest when a child sat on her lap, she with a book in her hand, reading and interacting.

Mary Jo enjoyed watching things grow. She loved farms and gardening her whole life. She grew vegetable and flower gardens and marveled as her Marigolds bloomed each year. She had an affinity for elephants due to their deep emotional intelligence, strong sense of community/family, and gentle strength.

Laughter and music came easily to Mary Jo. From her a cappella high school days to singing in church choirs, around the home, and as a soloist, her voice brought blessings to others. Her strong Christian faith, family gatherings, card games, and catching up filled her cup. A creative, collaborative, loving person, Mary Jo lives on in many hearts and minds and will be missed.

Mary Jo is survived by:

Husband: Gary Swanson

Children: Kimeri (Tom) Swanson-Beck, Kory (Jen Todd) Swanson, Kari Coady (Aric).

Nephews and niece: Joseph Soppe (Renee), Rebecca (Soppe) Andrysczyk (Kyle), Russell Soppe (Alison), William Soppe (Christine)

Grandchildren: Carmin Beck (Kurt Van Ness), Theodore Beck, Chester Beck, Cole Swanson, Ella Swanson, Morgan Soppe, Ayden Andrysczyk, Kaylee Andrysczyk, Nathyn Andrysczyk, Caleb Soppe, Joshua Soppe, Micah Soppe, Hannah Soppe, Carson Soppe, Blake Soppe, and Aliana Soppe

Brothers and In-laws: Michael (Judy) Soppe, Jerry Soppe, Bonnie (Swanson) and James Walker, Gene and Pamela Swanson, and Glen and Kathy Swanson.

Great-Grandchild: Claude Van Ness

Granddogs: Lunar & Nova Coady, Nova Swanson

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Loveland Habitat for Humanity or KidsPak .