Mary Evelyn Bjerke Swenson (nee Seaton) 3/27/1946 – 4/14/2026

Beloved child of God, cherished mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Mary Evelyn Seaton was born in Faribault, MN on March 27th, 1946 to James "Brad" Bradley and Mary Evelyn (O'Brien) Seaton.  Mary graduated from Rochester Lourdes High School in 1964. Mary married Robert Leonard Bjerke where together they raised 4 children. Mary was a homemaker for many years, spending time raising her children and volunteering at church, her children's schools, and in her local community. Mary pursued and had a career as a real estate agent, where she found much joy and success, retiring after 32 years.  After Mary and Robert divorced in 1993, Mary married Richard Swenson in 2000. Mary and Richard enjoyed many adventures and travels throughout their marriage.  They also enjoyed hosting many get-togethers, holidays and other celebrations as well as welcoming family and friends into their home in Rochester and their lake home in Faribault.

Mary had admirable and inspirational faith, never-ending optimism, and an abundance of love for others.  She continually prayed for others and shared in their joys and their struggles.  She was a fierce advocate for those she loved and a prayer warrior.  She was a caretaker at heart and an incredible cook. She had a great love of cooking meals and baking and never showed up to anyone's home without a freshly baked batch of goodies.  She was an avid reader and also loved spending time at the lake. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and keeping in touch with family and friends near and far.  She was never too busy to listen, offer advice, or lend a hand.  She was a true treasure with a beautiful smile that lit up the room.

On April 9th, 2026, Mary suffered a terrible fall and after spending several days in the St. Mary's Hospital ICU, her body was too damaged to recover.  She left her earthly home on the evening of April 14th, 2026.  All of our lives were made better by having her in them and our lives now have a large piece missing now that she is no longer with us. We are reminded that with great love, comes great loss. We know she is dancing in heaven and we look forward to the day we are reunited.

Mary was preceded in death by her son Mark Bjerke; brothers James Seaton and Gary Seaton; and her parents Brad and Evelyn Seaton.  Mary is survived by her husband, Richard Swenson of Rochester; her children Robert (Jackie) Bjerke of Kasson, Mary Christine "Chris" Bjerke of Rochester, Melissa (Jeff) Thome of Eagan; step-children Angi Quam of Spring, TX, and Christopher (Cheri) Swenson of Cannon Falls; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brothers, John (Judy) Seaton of Maple Grove and Bob (Laurie) Seaton of South St. Paul.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, April 26th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. The funeral service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 27th at Autumn Ridge Church, with visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Autoimmune Association https://autoimmune.org/ or the Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .