Erickson, Maria Swanson (1848-1924)

ERICKSON, SWANSON, LUNDSTROM, WESTROM, BERGREN, JOHNSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier
January 10, 1924

OBITUARY
Ericson

On Thursday morning, January 3rd, 1924, occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Ericson, who resided just east of this place, after an illness of but a few days. The end came suddenly and unexpected as her illness was not considered serious.

Mary Christine Swanson was born in Småland, Sweden, January 1, 1848, and died at Stratford, Iowa, on Jan. 3, 1924, having reached the age of 76 years and 3 days. She immigrated to this country in the year 1868, at the age of 21 years, locating in Chicago where she resided for 13 years. On July 24, 1879, she was united in marriage to Peter Ericson in Chicago, coming to Stratford with her husband two years later. They lived on a farm west of Stratford for one year after which they located on the farm where she has since made her home and where she passed away. Her husband died Oct. 8, 1899.

Four children, one daughter and three sons, are left to mourn her. They are Mrs. F.L. Lundstrom, Oscar, Alfred and Leonard, all of Stratford. Besides the children, there are two sisters, Mrs. John Westrom of California, Mrs. John Bergren of Chicago, one step-daughter, Mrs. Helen Johnson, also of Chicago, and a host of relatives and friends.

Deceased united with the Baptist church at Stratford in the year 1909 and was an active member of that church until her death. She was a pioneer in the community, having resided here over forty years. She was a kind and loving mother, sacrificing everything to provide a home for her children, keeping the family together after the death of her husband.

The funeral was held last Sunday afternoon from the home, the roads being too heavy to go to the church. Rev. Wm. Turnwall of Gowrie, state worker for the Iowa Baptist convention, conducted the service. He chose as his text, Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." A quartet consisting of Mrs. James Ericson, Miss Ruby Swedlund, Sam and Oscar Swedlund sang two appropriate songs. The pallbearers were: Carl Bergman, Clarence Neese, George Vedeen, Nels, Olof and Jonas Westrum, all old neighbors of the family. Interment was made in the South Marion cemetery. The many friends join in sympathizing with the sorrowing.

Why weepest thou?
The Saviour's gentle hand
Has wiped away their tears;
No sorrow enters that dear fatherland
Which to our faith appears.
His arms of love enclosing
The weary and distressed,
There on his heart reposing.
They find a blissful rest.

Card of Thanks
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends and neighbors who demonstrated so much kindness, love and assistance during our recent bereavement of our dearly beloved mother, Mary Mary Ericson. The singers also have our sincere gratitude.
THE CHILDREN.