Bernadine E. Swennes, 83, of Libb

Bernadine E. Swennes, 83, died on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 at her home in Libby. She was born on April 16, 1933 at Spokane, Wash. to Martin and Elizabeth (Cameron) Healy. She graduated from Flathead High School in 1951.

Bernie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She married Donald (Buck) Swennes on Jan. 17, 1953. They moved to Libby in the late 1950s. She continued to work different jobs just as she had done during and after high school. Bernie had a love for art and explored many fields including nature, landscapes, animals, portraits, and her big beautiful, colorful trees. Both she and Buck traveled and displayed their art to show and sell throughout the Northwest. She also enjoyed antiques, reading, music, nature and spending time with family. Most of all, she treasured caring for her husband and children; and loving on all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A highlight in Bernie’s life was Nov. 24, 2014 when she and her daughter were baptized at Libby Christian Church and she gave her life to our Lord and Savior. She started each day being positive, reading her Bible and watching Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. This gave her great pleasure as did praying daily for her loved ones. “You are dearly missed; until we meet again, We Love You!”

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine Ann Swennes, her father Martin Healy, and mother, Elizabeth Quaschnik.

Survivors include her husband, Donald Swennes, Libby; her children, Jeffrey Swennes (Laura), Yuma, Ariz.; Martin Swennes and Kristine Swennes Berke, both of Libby; grandchildren, Niki Wilkins, Cassie Grinder, Melissa Berke, Kyle Berke, Michelle Stanfield, Sara Pierce (Christopher); great –grandchildren, Kaylee Wilkins of Glendive; Blace Grinder, Elianna Jones and Parker Jones, all of Libby; Danial Peirce, Cayson Stanfield and Lauryn Stanfield all of Yuma; a sister, Diane Harder (Jon); nieces, Shelly Huntley (Doug); Kim Harder; and great nephews, Matthew Wright, Brandon Wright and Willie Zukowski.

A service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.