1922-2025

Gloria Swanson, born September 19, 1922, in Huntington, British Columbia, Canada, to Irving S. and Susan (Hobart) Parberry, passed away peacefully at the age of 102. She was surrounded by love from her family and the wonderful staff at Forks Long Term Care.

Gloria grew up on a dairy farm in Canada, along with her 10 siblings while simultaneously attending school in the United States. She married Clyde Swanson in July of 1942 and together they raised four children: Robert (Dawn) Swanson, Georgia (Harry) Tyson, Barry (Cherie) Swanson and Karen (Gary) Johnson. Gloria and Clyde moved from Skykomish, Washington, to Beaver, Washington in 1953, where she made her mark as the first woman school bus driver in Forks. She was known for her quick wit and endless stories, which continued to bring smiles and laughter to those around her.

In 1967, Clyde and Gloria founded Clyde Swanson Trucking, where Gloria worked as the bookkeeper, helping the business thrive alongside her husband’s hard work. Gloria also worked as a waitress at various times throughout her life.

In 1987, Clyde and Gloria retired to Lilliwaup, Washington, where they created a beautiful home with a vibrant yard full of flowers – Gloria’s dahlias and Clyde’s roses. After Clyde’s passing in 1997, Gloria faced the challenges of life with determination, strength, and an unyielding stubbornness. Even when a mudslide hit her property in 1998, and she was in her late 70s, Gloria remained steadfast.

She lived on her own for several months without electricity while the state attempted to condemn her house, during these later years of living in Lilliwaup, Gloria was supported by kindness and help from many friends, whose assistance allowed her to continue living independently. Her fierce independence, stubbornness, and the strong bonds of friendship she formed during this time defined her character.

Gloria was also known for her love of life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed the company of her family and friends, drinking beer, playing cards and trying her luck at the slot machines. Her sense of humor, love for life and competitive spirit were evident in everything she did.

Gloria lived in Lilliwaup for 24 years before returning to the Forks area in 2011. Gloria’s family and friends will remember her for her radiant smile, joyful spirit and warmth she shared with everyone around her. She was the life of the party, and her laughter and love were infectious, Gloria will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clyde Swanson; daughter in-law Mary Swanson; grandson Matt Swanson and all 10 of her siblings.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the employees at Forks Long Term Care for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Gloria over the years; she was cherished as a member of their extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the beauty shop fund in memory of Gloria at the Forks Community Hospital Long Term Care.

Gloria’s legacy of love, strength and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

There will be a celebration of life Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Forks Elks Lodge at 1 p.m.