Jeanette B Swaney, 94, a lifetime resident of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Friday October 18, 2024 in the comfort of her own home.

Jeanette was born on May 14, 1930 to Louis and Barbara (Miller) Denoyer.  She graduated from Saint Francis High School in 1948 alongside the love of her life, Don Swaney, whom she married in 1950. Together they raised 10 wonderful children.

Throughout her high school years, Jeanette was a sales clerk for Dahlquist Five and Dime.  After graduation, Jeanette began her career as an operator for Michigan Bell Telephone.  She held many positions over the years, received many accolades for her work, and had the opportunity to represent Michigan Bell on their float in the National Cherry Festival.  Jeanette retired after 33 years of dedicated service.

Jeanette enjoyed a variety of interests throughout her life, many of which included her children, husband and extended family.  Jeanette enjoyed roller skating, dancing to polkas, playing cards, knitting, doing arts and crafts, and playing Skip BO and Concentration with her kids and grand kids.  Remarkably, Jeanette never learned to drive but that never held her back.  She enjoyed biking and walking to and from work, to the grocery store, and around the neighborhood with her kids.  These activities no doubt contributed to her longevity.  Jeanette also loved working crosswords.  She and Don worked every crossword in the Record Eagle every night after dinner.  Together they also spent many fun times with their siblings, cousins, parents and grandparents.

Jeanette was also a remarkable cook.  Well organized and prepared for any occasion, there were always treats to be had and appetizers to pass out for any and all who stopped by the house.  The holidays were always near and dear to Jeanette.  Her love of decorating the house and hosting family and friends made every holiday more festive.  Every Christmas her children were adorned in newly knitted hats, scarves and mittens.  That tradition continued with each of her grandkids.

Jeanette and Don were blessed to be able to retire early, and they enjoyed almost 15 winters in Lakeland Florida.  There they met many new friends, played shuffle board and bingo, hosted parties, enjoyed countless Tiger games and spent time relaxing around the pool.

Jeanette's Catholic faith shaped her personality and guided her every action.  From attending weekly mass to doing acts of kindness for others, Jeanette held a loving dedication to her family, friends and community.  She was truly blessed with a wonderfully loving and long life.

Jeanette is survived by her children Janet (Nick) Devito, Robert Swaney, Donna (Greg) Williams, Jim (Lisa) Swaney, Greg Swaney, Michael (Frieda) Swaney, John (Becky) Swaney, Barbara (Rick) Liptak, Gary Swaney; and 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband Donald, son Thomas, her parents (Louis and Barbara), brothers Raymond and Louis, sisters Alice, Maxine, Eileen, Joyce and Joanne.

A mass and Catholic burial will be celebrated on Friday October 25, 2024 at Saint Francis Church, 1025 South Union Street, Traverse City MI 49684.  Visitation begins at 10am followed by mass at 11 am.  A luncheon will be held at the church following mass.  Burial will take place at 3pm at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.

The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers and Hospice of Michigan for their Compassionate Care.

In Lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be directed to The Father Fred Foundation or Saint Francis Catholic Church in Jeanette's honor.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com