Marilyn Marie Rundquist (57) passed away on Wednesday, April 27 at St. Peter’s Hospital following a courageous five year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Vancouver, WA on April 25, 1954.
Marilyn lived in Helena for 12 years. She worked for the Montana Historical Society as a tour guide at the state capitol and the Old Governor’s Mansion. Marilyn was the granddaughter of Montana pioneers. Her mother, Doris (Rasmussen) Swanson was born and raised in Sidney, Montana. Her father, Dale Swanson, was born and raised in Lewiston, Montana.
She is survived by her husband John, her two children Eric and Sunny, her brother Robert Swanson of Spokane and her sister Nancy Jochem of Bozeman.
Marilyn was an enthusiast for literature and history and she was passionate about nature. She was an outspoken person with a strong sense of humor, and her voice and laughter will be deeply missed by everyone she left behind.
Her family is holding a memorial gathering in celebration of her life at her house on 1680 Virginia Dale Street, Helena. The event will be an open house, with food and drinks provided, from 12:00 to 4:00 on Sunday, May 1. Family friends and acquaintances are welcome to come and go any time during those hours, to pay their respects to her family, share stories and celebrate her memory.
In Marilyn’s honor, charitable donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy, in order to help preserve the natural environment that she loved. Donations can be made online at http://my.nature.org/donate/ .
The family wishes to express their special gratitude to Dr. Tom Weiner and the Oncology staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for the excellent treatment and compassionate care they provided to Marilyn these past five years.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dan Johnson says
Marilyn was alawys very nice and made you feel like YOU were important to her. I also worked security at the capitol and Marilyn brought joy where she was. I am praying for you that when you feel her loss the memory of her smile will warm your heart. God Bless
De De Carlson says
I was so sorry to read in the Columbian of Marilyn’s passing. Eric was in my daughter Tammy’s class in Ridgefield. I remember Marilyn from school events, especially field trips. She was such a lovely lady and it is with much sadness I write this message to her family. God Bless you all!
Doug and Marcie Lowdon says
We will always remember the sincere and honest letters she wrote to Marcie about their shared illnesses. Marilyn, we love you.
Erik John Hendrickson says
My deepest sympathy are with John and his family at this time of great loss. Support and love each other as you face your sadness together. Erik Hendrickson, Houston Texas
Grant Nagel says
May the Lord Bless you and give you strength in this time.
I worked Security at the Capitol when Marilyn was guiding tours. We always spoke. She was always cheery, and I liked her much. I am praying for you.
Jan Montanye says
John and family–so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Be comforted by your memories and the life you shared together.
Liz Burke says
Marilyn was a wonderful volunteer and friend with us at the Helena National Forest and the Montana Discovery Foundation. I will always remember her smile and laughter whether on a hike in Rimini or viewing wildflowers on Mt. Helena. What a beautiful spirit. My condolences to her family. She will always be remembered.
Robert & Gail Ricker says
Dear John & family, our deepest sympathies for your loss of Marilyn. She was a delightful person and always had a laugh and a smile for everyone. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Sincerely,
Bob & Gail
Salty & Kari Payne says
John, we were very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Remember the good times and she will never be forgotten.
Salty & Kari
The Dial family says
Our condolences in the loss of our beautiful Marilyn. Her laugh and smile will always be one of the greatest things we remember about her. We have many wonderful memories of our Swanson/Dial camping adventures.
She wrote our mom (Sherry) a letter after the loss of her mom, that has been treasured. It was typical of her to be thinking of those around her and comforting them, even in her loss.
We are thinking of all of you and treasuring our memories from simpler times.
Love, Sherry, Roy and Lorraine Dial
Val Alexander says
Dear Family, Please know that we join you in support with your loss of dear Marilyn.
She was such a treasure to we who worked with her on the board of Friends of Clark County. She was always so willing and contributed much to our work and was such a joy to be around. Love to you all.