Susan Elizabeth Swenson

Susan Swenson, 69, of Norman, OK passed away on January 2nd, surrounded by loved ones.

Sue was born on February 15, 1953, to William and Vivian (Lewis) Munro in New York City and grew up in Park Ridge and Upper Montclair, NJ. After Sue graduated from Montclair High School in 1971, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of Oklahoma, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. It was at OU in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band that Sue met her husband, Paul. Sue and Paul married in 1975 and remained in Norman. Sue was an avid OU sports fan and a regular attendee of Sooner football games.

Sue was a passionate educator and advocate for life-long learning. She was a teacher in Norman Public Schools for 35 years at Kennedy and Monroe Elementary Schools. At Monroe, Sue served as Head Teacher, IT wiz, and grant-writer extraordinaire – and was even a Norman Public Schools Teacher of the Year finalist.

Outside of her work, Sue was a committed supporter of several other organizations. Since Paul was a Norman Police Officer, Sue was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, serving as local and state Lodge President. Sue was also a very active member of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church – singing in the choir for over 30 years and committing to the Close Ties Sunday School Class family for over 40 years. She was a servant of God’s Word – volunteering with, and then leading building and medical missions to Costa Rica and Haiti; volunteering with McFarlin’s Food Pantry Ministry; and leading McFarlin’s Utility Assistance Ministry.

Sue was an adventurer at heart – unafraid to travel all over the world and experience new things. Throughout her life, she visited all 7 continents, and took her family on countless camping trips all over the country. She was also a good sport for Paul – acquiescing to many a brewery tour during all of their travels, even though she didn’t particularly like beer.

Sue’s greatest satisfaction was raising her two daughters Kelli and Alison and watching and encouraging them to develop into talented and conscientious young women. When grandkids came along, she enjoyed teaching them, playing games, and attending all of their many activities.

Sue is survived by her husband, Paul; daughters Kelli Bryan (& husband Jonathan) and Alison Swenson; grandchildren Anna, Nora, Asher, & Tai Bryan; sister Leslie Soulen; and brother Andy Munro (& wife Amy). Services will be held at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church on January 7th at 2:00pm.

Sue was known for jumping in to help whenever there was a need and rarely did anything halfway. She wasn’t in it for the glory or the recognition, but just wanted to make her corner of the world a better place. To continue her legacy, consider a donation to the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church Utility Assistance or Food Pantry ministries.