Sylvia Swanson

Sylvia Swanson, 88, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Born Sylvia Joan Shaffer in Winfield, Kansas, on November 17, 1936, she was the cherished daughter of Charles S. and Opal Julia (Stebbins) Shaffer. Her early years saw the family living in various towns across southeast Kansas before they made their permanent home in Chanute, Kansas. Sylvia graduated from Chanute High School with the class of 1955 and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology from the University of Kansas.

On January 30, 1960, Sylvia married Eugene Swanson in Chanute, Kansas. Their loving union was blessed with three children: Bruce, Becky, and Mark. Sylvia began her career working as a medical technologist in the lab at the KU Medical Center. Later, she lovingly dedicated herself to raising her young children at home. Once Mark entered school, Sylvia returned to the workforce. She worked in the lab at the Kansas City Women's Clinic, where she loved to meet people from all across Kansas City and learn their stories. Her commitment to her work was instrumental in funding all three of her children to pursue and achieve their college degrees. During their formative years, Sylvia was deeply engaged in her children's activities, creating lasting memories as a Cub Scout den mother and a dedicated leader for Becky's Bluebird and Campfire troops. She also generously volunteered her time as a picture lady and room mother (and grandmother) at school. Her elegant handwriting and exceptional command of the written word were a tremendous asset to her children, who often relied on her as a valuable resource for their school papers. Sylvia had a remarkable ability to connect with people, effortlessly making friends wherever she went. Over time, they affectionately realized that no outing was complete without encountering someone who knew and admired Sylvia. A gifted seamstress, she initially crafted many of her children's clothes and continued to express her creativity through crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch, and sewing throughout her life. She found joy in tap dancing in her youth and later enthusiastically rejoined the activity with a group of friends, continuing to dance until the age of 84. Sylvia faced numerous health challenges with extraordinary resilience, beginning with Polio at the age of seven. Even as her health presented greater difficulties in her later years, Sylvia met each obstacle with her characteristic strength and perseverance.

Sylvia and Gene were devoted and active members of the Old Mission United Methodist Church for over 65 years. Their Sunday School Class blossomed into a treasured circle of their closest friends. Sylvia had a profound love for music and was a remarkably talented musician, skillfully playing the organ, piano, and flute, as well as contributing to the church's bell choir. She also generously shared her musical gifts by playing the piano for Sunday School classes well into her early 80s.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sylvia is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Gene, of the home; her children, Bruce Swanson and his wife, Lisa, of Tucson, Arizona, Becky Venema and her husband, Todd, of Oakwood, Ohio, and Mark Swanson and his wife, D'ette, of Overland Park; her nine cherished grandchildren, Riley and Karina Swanson, Sofia, Peter, Molly, and Micah Venema, and Teegan, Caden, and Brenden Swanson; and her dear sister, Amy Putnam and her husband, Glenn, of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Old Mission United Methodist Church in Overland Park, Kansas. Burial will take place at 2:30 PM Saturday afternoon at the Swedish Cemetery in Savonburg, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Old Mission United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family through the online guestbook at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.