Wanda Maria Swanson

Madison- Wanda Maria Swanson, age 83 passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2010 in Madison. She was born on October 29, 1926, in Rochester, New York the daughter of the late John and Mary (Pospula) Lipczynski. In 1943, while at the local roller-skating rink, Wanda would meet her future husband, Robert Swanson, a cadet of the U.S. Air Force. Three years later, on February 9, 1946 they were united in marriage in Rochester, N.Y. After their marriage they moved to Madison and have resided there ever since. She worked for the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue until her retirement in 1991. As a testament to her strength and tenacity, Wanda was a 50-year survivor of colon cancer. She enjoyed shopping, collectibles, knitting, crocheting, baking, gardening, and flower arranging. Most of all she loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Wanda is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bob; children: Susanne (late Gil Mauthe) Swanson of Freeport, Ill., Jim (Cindy) Swanson of Brookfield, WI, Linda (Randy) Gest of Waunakee, and Doug (Michelle Baxter) Swanson of Waunakee; five grandchildren: Kristin (Jake) Statz of Martinsville, WI, Megan Swanson of Brookfield, Ashley Gest of Madison, and Kyle and Eric Swanson both of Waunakee; and one great-grandson, Braydon Statz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Susan Marie; two brothers, Joseph and Stan Lipczynski; and uncle, John Pospula.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Monday, April 12, 2010 at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave., Madison. 

In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be made to Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 517 N. Sego Road, Suite 301, Madison, WI 53705, or to the charity of the donor's choice.