Phyllis M. Swanson

Phyllis was born in Mass City, MI on October 8, 1932, daughter of the late Edward Maloney and Catherine Codd. She graduated from Mass City High School, class of 1950. Following graduation she moved to the Ishpeming area.

Phyllis was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming, a life member of the VFW Auxiliary in Negaunee, a member of the Michigan License Beverage Association where she served as treasurer for several years, she was a member of the Paisano Club of Ishpeming, was a avid card player especially cribbage, she ran a cribbage league for seniors at the high rise, she loved knitting, crocheting, and playing Bingo at the nursing home.

On behalf of Phyllis, her family would like to extend a special thank you to her granddaughter-in-law Lisa for the wonderful care she gave to Phyllis over the years.

Phyllis is survived by 2 children- Steven (Jane) Perry, Gilford (Donna) Perry Jr., 3 step children- Daniel (Karla) Swanson, Nancy (John) Ellis, Pam (Bob) Nitka, brother- John (Mavis) Wiitanen, brother-in-law- John Turpeinen, 6 grandchildren- Matthew (Jen) Perry, Jed (Lisa) Perry, Jacob (Ashley) Perry, Trinity Perry, Leah Perry, Bethany (Walter) Porter, 11 great grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, her former husband and longtime friend- Gilford Perry Sr., along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband- Jerald Swanson, brother- James Maloney, sister- Lois Turpeinen, and very close friend- Beatrice Ombrello.

Phyllis’ family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until 12:00 noon on Thursday January 16, 2020 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon with Rev. Fr. Ryan Ford officiating.

Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens in Negaunee.

Phyllis’ obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.