Lenora Elizabeth “Connie” Gurnsey Swartz (1931-2023)

Lenora Elizabeth “Connie” Gurnsey Swartz

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Birth

3 Mar 1931

Death

14 May 2023 (aged 92)

Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana, USA

Burial

Highland Cemetery

Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana, USA Show Map

Memorial ID

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Lenora "Connie" Gurnsey Swartz was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother during her incredible 92 years of life. She passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, in the early hours of Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Connie had a long and full life. She was born on March 3, 1931, to two loving parents, Emma C. (Lestiko) Gurnsey and John K. Gurnsey. Connie had six sisters and two brothers. She attended schools in Vaughn, Simms, and the Great Falls Vo-Tech.

Connie married Tony Swartz on December 31, 1946, at St Ann's and together they raised seven children. For over 20 years, Connie and Tony ran a successful construction company. Tony passed away on July 22, 1973. In addition to running the construction company, she also worked for Strain Bros, Thisted, SH Kress, and the Great Falls Public School system.

She was an admired matriarch of her family, never missing an opportunity to celebrate and gather her family. She wanted her family to get along above all things. Connie had many hobbies including gardening, cooking, reading, walking with her sister Marie "Deed," and traveling. Over the years Connie spent many hours volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and school, the Catholic Council, Boy Scouts, REACH, and MT Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Emma and John; husband, Tony Swartz; son, Tom Swartz; six sisters, Margaret Simmes, Betty Gardner, H. Eunice Lords, Albertina Lords, Dorothy Mullins, and A. Marie Galvin; and two brothers, Howard Gurnsey, and John Gurnsey.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Young (Robert), Betty Campbell, and Tina Peterson (Kevin); daughter-in-law, Betty Swartz; sons, Robert Swartz, Raymond Swartz (Cynde), and Clarence Swartz (Linda); 14 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren (including the apple of her eye, Aidyn Campbell); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private burial will take place at Highland Cemetery and Connie will be laid to rest alongside her dear mother, Emma.

Published by O'Connor Funeral Home, Great Falls, MT on Wednesday, May 17, 2023