Jean Swanson

Jean M. Swanson, 89, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Penn Hall where she had resided since 2009. Born in Lemasters, PA in 1926, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Greenawalt Myers. Jean was a 1944 graduate of the former Chambersburg High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College in 1947. She taught elementary school at several school districts throughout the state including the Midd-West School District (Beaver-Adams Elementary) in Snyder County and the Berlin-Brothersvalley School District in Somerset County. She served as Choir Director at Trinity Lutheran Church in McClure, PA and at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Berlin, PA. Mrs. Swanson was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chambersburg where she was active with WELCA. She volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels and at the Chambersburg Hospital. Her husband, Pastor Kenneth S. Swanson, whom she married July 26, 1952, preceded her in death on February 10, 1994.

She is survived by her son, Mark Swanson of West Grove, PA; her daughter, Michele Wray and husband Wade of Ellicott City, MD; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, George M. Myers and a sister, Mary Alice Shoop Divelbiss.

A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on December 27, 2015 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Jane Nicholson will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43 West Washington Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201.