Obituary of Rita L. Swanson

Conneaut- Rita L. Swanson, 77, of Conneaut passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 3, 2023. She was born on January 13, 1946 the daughter of William "Bill" and Vera P. (O'Connell) Hollingshead. Rita graduated from Conneaut High School Class of 1964. Over the years she worked for Nichols Discount Store, where she enjoyed traveling the country opening new stores, as well as Woolworth 5-10, Deck Vending, and would retire after working in the law office of Sally Richards. Catholic in faith, she married her husband Melvyn E. Swanson on September 25, 1976 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and they were members of Corpus Christi Parish, and attended St. Mary's. Never one to sit still, she loved to volunteer, she put her love of crocheting to work, making blankets for hospitals. Her passion for gardening and plants was the seed needed to create the North Kingsville Garden Club. Rita's love of people was also evident when she volunteered for the hospital thrift store, or making boxed meals during the holidays for the needy. Her community was also close to her heart and enjoyed volunteering for D-Day. Her family will remember her love of animals, especially dogs and feeding birds. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 47 years, Melvyn Swanson; daughter, Angela (John) McCrory; son, Matt (Leslie) Swanson and their children, Jack, Paige and Cameron; and her sister, Sally (Kenneth) Janss. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; stillborn son, Eric; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Bill Knipper; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Dan McClintic. Friends and family may call at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 5PM-7PM, where a service will follow at 7:00PM, with Deacon Nicholas Iarocci, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in her memory to the Ashtabula APL, 5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com