Mary Jean Swaney, affectionately known by her 11 grandkids as “Grammy” and “Meme,” passed away with family by her side in Grand Rapids, MI, leaving a legacy of faith, love, and cherished family traditions.
Born to Clare and Mary D. Grigware in Grand Rapids, Jean’s mother preceded her in death at the age 32. Her father later married Mary M. Grigware. Jean attended Breton Downs Elementary School, where a bench now honors the three generations of Swaney’s whose legacy began with her. She graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and went on to attend Michigan State College.
Jean married her high school sweetheart, Rusty “RP” Swaney, beginning a life together centered on love and family. She was preceded in death by Rusty and their son Billy. She is survived by her children, Steve (Jere); Tom (Sue); and Sherry Stewart (Keith). Jean was a devoted grandmother to Joshua; Kirkland (Jen); Austin (Abbie); Bobbie Hejna (Lex); Spencer (Kristen); Stewart (Alli); Billy Stewart (Olena); Peter Stewart (Monreau); Clare Fitch (George); Jake Stewart (Emily); and Stephanie Stewart. She was also a beloved great-grandmother to Theo, Remi, Isla, Wyatt, Russel, Tate, Penny Jean, Tommy, Maisie, Rowan, Winslow, Murphy, Bennet, and Grant.
Jean’s life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and her love for her family. Father Mark Przybysz remained a special source of comfort to her throughout her life, and was by her side in prayer, blessing her peaceful passing. Her cherished Topsider cottage in Macatawa, MI, became a gathering place for generations of memories, laughter, and joy. Her unwavering support for her family extended to countless EGR sporting events and celebrations, where her presence was a constant source of encouragement.
Jean will be remembered for her generosity, humor, and grace. Her memory will continue to inspire her family and many friends. May her legacy provide solace to all who cherished her and always feel the warmth of the sun on the shimmering water at the beach with a cold Oberon in hand. God Bless the gals at Clark on Keller Lake.
Visitation will be held from 4-6pm, Monday, March 30, 2026, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. A private family Mass will be celebrated Tuesday. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Clark at Keller Lake for the loving care, comfort, and kindness they gave Jean.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Van Andel Institute (https://support.vai.org/give/450459/#!/donation/checkout).
2 Responses
Simply the Best Mom you could have ever asked for! What an incredible team…RP and Jean!
Just mentioning their names, puts a huge smile on my face and My Memory Machine instantly kicks in!
Last night the A Team picked up another member in Heaven!
Jean and RP HAVE LEFT THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
God Bless ALL the Swaney’s. ❤️
Aunt Jeannie, there was a time long ago when our families shared a wonderful life together, as time went on we lost touch. I cherish those times at the cottage, on the Mitina and the Beach together. I am saddened by your passing but rejoicing that you are just passing through and are on your way to Heaven.
Isaiah 57:1-2 (NIV):
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” God Bless you Aunt Jeannie I’m sure you will see some old friends soon. Love you and miss those happy times we spent together. God Bless your family, you will be missed.