Maria de Jesus Estrada Swanson, age 98, of 662 N County Road 440 in Manistique passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba. She was born on May 22, 1919 in Ayutla Jalisco, Mexico, the daughter of Felix and Antonia (Gomez) Estrada. Maria grew up in Mexico until the 1950’s when she moved to Oakland, CA where she worked in a cannery. She was proud to have become a U.S. Citizen on September 6, 1962.  As a hard worker, Maria worked in a nursing home when she first came to the United States, then she worked in the fields planting. From there, she went to work for Ahsam Florist in California where she prepared flowers for Liberace, Shirley Temple, Tele Savalas, and many other “big name” people. On the TV show “Dynasty,” Maria made the huge flower arrangement in the foyer. The former Maria Estrada married Richard Swanson in Reno, NV. In 1994, Richard and Maria moved to Manistique where they enjoyed their retirement. On August 14, 2006 Maria and Richard’s marriage was blessed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique.  Maria loved animals, especially dogs and cats. She appreciated the beauty of flowers. She enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing, music, and wintering in Mexico for many years. Maria was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and also the Bishop Baraga Circle at church.

Maria J. Swanson is survived by husband, Richard Swanson of Manistique; and sister, Pieda of Guadalajara, Mexico, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Maria was preceded in death by brothers, Manuel, Luciano, Andres, and Jose; and sister, Jesse.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 25, 2017 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Father Benedetto Paris officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in St. Francis de Sales School. Inurnment will take place St. Anarco Catholic Church in Guadalajara, Mexico. 

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