Surrounded by loving family members in her final days, Mary Susan "Suzy" Swanson passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2026. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on July 2, 1944, to parents Robert ("RW") and Margaret ("Moxy") Smith, Suzy was the big sister to Kathy and Wendy and part of the third Smith generation to call Lake Minnetonka home.

The young Smith family enjoyed adventures from Casco Point to Puerto Vallarta and Wyoming throughout the 1950s and 1960s. After graduating from Mound High School in 1962, Suzy spent a year at Beloit College before completing her degree (with honors) in romance languages at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.

Ever the linguist, languages came easily to Suzy. Time abroad with AFS in Spain, and later in Brazil, honed her fluency in Spanish and Portuguese and deepened her lifelong love of the arts, as well as her gift for forming enduring friendships wherever she traveled.

In 1966, she met graduate student Kent Swanson on a double date in Minneapolis. Two weeks later, Kent proposed. They married in 1967 and began what would become a 60-year love story.

Putting her creativity with words to work, Suzy became a copywriter for the Knox Reeves advertising agency, writing ads for General Mills' iconic Betty Crocker brand. In 1970, she became a first-time mother, stepping into the role that would define her legacy as the joyous, spirited leader of five children and nine grandchildren. Suzy celebrated the successes and supported the challenges of everyone in her orbit, offering comfort, wisdom, and an unfailing sense of humor.

Throughout her life, Suzy never lost her passion for the arts. She was an award-winning potter, a steadfast member of Manamore (a historic Minnesota women's art group), and served on the board of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.

Suzy relished road trips to the family cabin in Jackson Hole, and in 2007, she and Kent realized their lifelong dream of owning a place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they escaped Minnesota's cold winters and welcomed family and friends to share in sun-soaked days, good conversation, and Suzy's generous hospitality.

Suzy is survived by her husband, Kent; sons Will (Kjersten) and Zack (Keri); daughters Liza, Annie (Sean), and Maisie (David); and grandchildren Kate, Jack, Sam, Ben, Lucy, Ruby, Rex, Max, and Ace. She is also survived by her sisters, Kathy Gillum and Wendy Bradley, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family will host a celebration of Suzy's life in the summer of 2026. In lieu of flowers, bequests may be made to the Mayo Clinic in support of cancer research.