Elinor Ann Swenson

1949 ~ 2024

SUTTONS BAY- Elinor Ann Swenson, 74, of Suttons Bay, passed away on April 26, 2024, at Munson Medical Center.

Born on October 26, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Richard and Harriet (Beckwith) Wenzel.

Elly graduated from Julienne High School before moving to Suttons Bay in 1968 to attend Northwestern Michigan College. It was there that she met the love of her life, Gary Swenson, whom she married on May 14, 1977. Together, they enjoyed 46 years of marriage, doing everything side by side. Following college, Elly pursued a career in real estate, working for esteemed agencies such as Ed Petty, Dick Smith and Company, Schmidt Real Estate, and ReMax until her retirement.

A woman of great faith, Elly found solace in prayer, dedicating time each day to her prayer books. She also had a passion for tending to her flower gardens, bird watching, and most notably, spending time by the shores of Lake Leelanau. While growing up, she summered on Lake Leelanau with her family, creating many memories and friendships that would last a lifetime. Elly cherished moments wading in the lake, particularly in April after the ice thawed.

Following her retirement, Elly and Gary would escape the cold northern winters, spending time down south. There, she delighted in putting her chair in the ocean, soaking up the sun, meditating, praying, and enjoying a few Bud Lights.

Known for her compassionate nature, Elly was a wonderful caregiver, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Elly is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Timothy Wenzel, and her brother-in-law Doug Swenson.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Gary; her siblings Fred Wenzel, Peter Wenzel, and Susie (Greg) Matray; her sisters-in-law Linda Steck and Susan (Al) Belanger; and her nieces and nephews, Heather Craft, Jeff (Katie) Matray, Jackie (Anthony) Thermenos, Jeremy (Mary) Steck, Sarah (Michael) Grosvenor, Brandon (Molly) Steck, as well as many loving great nieces and nephews.

There was only one Elly in this world, and we will miss her so much. She will always be with those of us that knew her and loved her and will always be in our thoughts and hearts until we meet her again.

Donations may be given to First Lutheran Church PO Box 206 Suttons Bay, MI 49682, American Cancer Society Mid-Michigan Office 1755 Abbey Road East Lansing, MI 48823, or the Cherryland Humane Society 1750 Ahlberg Drive Traverse City, MI 49686.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3rd, with a service and sharing of memories at 7:00 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4th at the First Lutheran Church in Suttons Bay.

Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.