Margaret Marie Bjork Swenson was born on Feb. 18, 1922, the oldest child of Oscar and Amy (Anderson) Bjork. She grew up in Albert City, Iowa, graduated valedictorian from Albert City High School, attended Augustana (Ill.) College, and became a registered nurse.  

Margaret served as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. While stationed in the Philippines, she married Lieutenant Ralph M. Swenson, Jr. 

After the war, they moved to Connecticut and started a family, living in Meriden, and later, West Hartford. The family moved to Barrington in 1963, where Margaret lived until her death on Oct. 31 2018 at the Grace Barker Nursing Home. Margaret was a homemaker first, one who cared deeply about and was always there for her family. She did occasional nursing, including at a Providence hospital and a nursing home. Margaret was an accomplished sewer and bridge player. She was an active member of the Barrington Congregational Church, and served as an officer of the Barrington Women’s Club. Margaret enjoyed travel and traveled all over the world. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she particularly enjoyed their graduations.  

Margaret was predeceased by her two brothers, and her husband, Ralph. Her surviving family includes her son, Ralph Swenson, III (Candice), and daughter, Siri Swenson Marshall (Robert); grandchildren Jill (Ramon Llamas), Daniel (Katie Howard) and Anna Swenson, and Serin Marshall (Marc Guberman); great-grandchildren Margarita, James and Tessa Rose Llamas, Inez Swenson, and Suki Guberman. All will miss her greatly.

Private arrangements by the Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, Warren.

www.wjsmithfh.com