Nancy Mock Swanson's Obituary
Nancy Mock Swanson, 85, passed into the Church Triumphant on November 23, 2020, following a lengthy battle with a degenerative illness which she courageously fought and ultimately won. Beloved by her family and friends, Nancy was known for her deep faith, sharp mind, quick wit, and selfless nature.
Born in Little Rock, AR on October 22, 1935, she spent most of her early years in St. Louis, MO and then moved to Dallas at the age of twelve. She attended school in the HPISD and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953. She went on to SMU where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and Mortar Board, graduating with a BA in 1957. She later went on to receive a Masters in Liberal Arts from SMU in 1985.
Shortly after her graduation from SMU, she met her husband, Don, on a blind date. They married in 1960 and spent 60 wonderful years together. She worked briefly in the DISD as a teacher, but then devoted the next 18 years to raising her three children. Ever present in their lives, she was an extraordinary cook, a faithful cheerleader at every event, and a compassionate listener at the kitchen table.
She returned to her fruitful career in teaching in 1979 at Christ the King Catholic School and then spent 18 years teaching 7th grade English at McCullough Middle School in the Highland Park Independent School District. Along the way, she received numerous notes from former students expressing their appreciation for the impact she made on their lives, cultivating in many a love for literature and the ability to write a concise, well-reasoned essay. Her passion for teaching combined with the deep love she had for her students was affirmed when she was named Teacher of the Year in 1995.
Her retirement was spent enjoying her three children and seven grandchildren, faithfully attending their events and games while graciously hosting numerous family meals in her home. A hallmark of those gatherings was always a question to discuss, one which fostered reflection, personal sharing, and deep bonds among those gathered.
A woman of remarkable, unwavering faith, Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Delmar Dean Mock, her mother, Mary Sabina Mock, plus many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her beloved husband, Don, her sister, Marilyn Duncan and family, as well as her three children and their
families: Susan Swanson (Dallas) and her daughter, Sarah (Alex) Jenevein Miller (Austin), David (Leigh) Swanson (Orlando) and their children John David (Caroline) Swanson (Orlando) and great grandson Callum Donald, Alex Swanson (Orlando) and Kaylee Swanson (Nashville) and Laura (Bodie) Spangler (Dallas) and their sons Jack, Ben and Mark.
The family also wishes to express their deep appreciation to Nancy's wonderful caregivers from Acapella In-Home Care: Elsa, Evelyn, Maria, Marta, Mullu, Saudat and Sherry. Laurelle from Encompass Hospice was also a cherished provider. They were a constant source of love and encouragement throughout the journey of these past years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 7. Masks and social distancing will be required. A livestream will also be offered at Http://online.brushfire.com/hpumc/funeral/ . A private burial will precede the service. Due to Covid restrictions, a reception will not be held. Memorial gifts may be made to:
SMU Catholic Campus Ministry
3057 University Blvd.
Dallas, TX 7520
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