Anna Swanson

Anna Marino Swanson, Chattanooga, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014. She was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church and the St. Gerard Women's Club. Born and raised in Hoboken, N.J., this religious and feisty Italian always remained true to her heritage and was well known for her Italian cuisine, music, dancing and expressiveness. Anna always placed others before herself yet never placed anything before her family and faith. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Joe Swanson. Joe was a sailor she met in New Jersey during WWII. Anna and Joe lived a vibrant life full of fun, love, children and their church family. Now reunited with Joe, they can dance as they did when they met so long ago where music never ends. Survivors include her son, Paul (Anya) Swanson, of San Clemente, Calif.; daughters, Joanna (Rip) Osborne of Pikeville, Tenn., Gege (Jerry) Lee of Chattanooga, Sandy (Jack) Brooks of Chattanooga; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and God children. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Gerard Catholic Church with the Rev. Bill Williams officiating. Condolences may be sent to www.heritage fh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga, 2626 Walker Road., Chattanooga, TN 37421 or St. Gerard Catholic Church. Family will receive friends today, Feb. 27, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.