Matilda Swanson

CHICKAMAUGA Matilda Osburn Swanson, 86, died on Thursday, August 1, 2013, at Parkside Nursing Home in Fort Oglethorpe following a brave and lengthy battle with Parkinsons Disease.She was born May 24, 1927 to the late Lester and Ethel Broome Osburn of Chickamauga.She was a lifelong resident of Chickamauga where she graduated from Gordon Lee High School in 1945 and then worked as a nurse for Dr. Roy Pope. She and her late husband, Doris White "D.W." Swanson owned and operated Swansons Dairy Farm. After the death of her husband, she enjoyed substitute teaching at Gordon Lee High School. She also enjoyed traveling with friends throughout the Continental United States. She was a member of Elizabeth Lee United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her oldest son, Robert Edward Swanson.Survivors include a son, Wayne and Malivia Swanson, of Rabun Gap; a daughter-in-law, Karen Rawls Swanson, of Surfside Beach, S.C.; a sister Bertha Baker, of Ringgold; a grandson, Bob and Cherabeth Swanson, of Chickamauga, along with nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind devoted friends, neighbors, and caregivers that were like family to her.The family is very appreciative and forever grateful for the dedication and devotion of the staff and nurses during the seven years that Mrs. Swanson lived at Parkside Nursing Home.Visit www.heritagefh.com to view the memorial tribute and share condolences with the family.Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe.A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at LaFayette Memory Gardens followed by a Service of Remembrance Saturday at 4 p.m. at Elizabeth Lee United Methodist Church in Chickamauga with the Rev. Rick Maeser officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth Lee United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 126, Chickamauga, GA 30707.Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.