Marian Owens Swenson

On April 6, 2008, Marian Owens Swenson surrendered herself to the loving arms of her Creator, after a series of setbacks related to a rare blood disorder. Marian was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 23, 1925, to James Alfred Owens and Martha Minerva Hinckley.

From her earliest days, Marian excelled in educational pursuits, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University, where she majored in English and minored in French. After college, her path led to married and family life, and she is survived by her accomplished son, Gordon, and best friend and loving daughter, Adrienne.

Marian had a rich tapestry of cultural interests that included attending performances of the Utah Symphony, Ballet West, and the Utah Opera. Through many years, her dear sister, Darlene Ball, was her companion for many of these events. As their lives gained depth and complexity, Marian and Darlene began traveling abroad together. Before her traveling days were behind her, Marian had visited London, Paris, Sweden, China, Peru, Ireland, Russia, New York, Spain, and others.

Russia held an especially poignant spot in Mom's heart. She studied the often tragic history of the land and people, and grieved for the unrelenting oppression and hardships they endured, while marveling at their strength of spirit, and cultural excellence. She admired the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies. Witnessing Rudolph Nureyev dance in London, and Mikhail Baryshnikov dance in New York, were highlights of her life that she never tired of remembering. Mom was deeply affected by Darlene’s death several decades ago, and missed her every day following her loss.

Many decades of Mom’s life were dedicated to service in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Utah. Though she excelled in all aspects of her career, her favorite responsibility was counseling and guiding students. The care and concern she showed each student was validated as many of them came back to thank her years or decades later, bringing pictures of kids and grandkids, and regaling her with stories of career and family following their successful completion of University life.

In the last decades of her journey on this earth, Marian became very close to her daughter Adrienne. As her physical form began to betray her, bringing some of the sadness and confusion that aging can bring, their relationship took on new meaning. They worked hard to clear the issues of the past and find new ways to enrich each others' souls. As her body waned, Marian’s spirit took on a radiance and strength that will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her. Hand in hand with Adrienne, Marian continued to embrace new ways of living and loving based on spirit and purpose, despite circumstance. She died filled with the same remarkable love and courage that marked her very special life. Mom, I love you with all my heart, and feel you here with me. You have changed me, encouraged me, forgiven me, loved me, and enriched me beyond measure. You will remain my beloved, tender-hearted Mom and dearest friend forever.

A wake service for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 17th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.