Dorothy Marlene Swanson, 76, peacefully passed away on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, and a host of angels to take her home.

Born on August 26, 1949, in Provost to Edith and Raymond Downing, Dorothy was one of five children. She grew up on a family farm north of Camrose. When her father passed away in 1964, the family moved into Camrose, where Dorothy attended Camrose Composite High School. During her Grade 12 year, she began working at AGT as a telephone operator, demonstrating her strong work ethic and independence at a young age. Dorothy was married to Marvin Swanson for 33 years. Together they made their home in Camrose and raised three children.

Dorothy pursued her passion for hairdressing, completing her schooling at Marvel College in Grande Prairie. She owned and operated a salon in Valleyview before later opening a salon in Camrose. She was highly esteemed by her clients and employees.  

She moved to Edmonton in 2004. She worked various jobs, finding joy in service to others as a private health care aid. The families she assisted appreciated her help and willingness to go the extra mile.  In Edmonton she also attended various churches and met many new friends. Church in the Vine was her home church and she spoke highly of her Pastor and church family there. They showed a great amount of support to her especially these last months as she battled cancer. 

Dorothy was the very definition of selfless love. She has always put others first - quietly, faithfully, without ever asking for recognition. Her heart has been a doorway to Jesus for so many, leading countless people to faith simply by the way she lived: full of grace, truth and unwavering compassion. One of her favorite sayings was, “It’s never right to do wrong and never wrong to do right.” She lived those words daily. 

Dorothy carried a positive outlook, greeting others with a warm smile and generous heart. Her smile could light up a room, and there was a glow about her that could only come from one place - the love of Jesus shining through her.

She met many people throughout the years, and her genuine kindness and desire to reflect Jesus in her everyday life made a lasting impact. To Dorothy, no one was ever too small or insignificant. She believed the best about people. She chose kindness. She chose forgiveness. She chose love. 

Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every possible moment with her children and grandchildren, pouring into their lives with unconditional love, encouragement, and prayer.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Steve Swanson; Marty Swanson (Laura); and Viveca Solbrekken (John); her cherished grandchildren: Isaac Swanson, Jacob Swanson, Zane Solbrekken, and Sienna Solbrekken; her sister Linda Knipe; her brother Don Downing; as well as extended family and many dear friends whose lives she deeply touched.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Edith and Raymond; her sister Carol; her brother David; and her brother-in-law Ken Knipe.

Dorothy will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Her life was a testimony of faith, love, service, and unwavering devotion to God and family.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Weber's Mount Pleasant Chapel in Camrose. 

Memorial donations to Church in the Vine (12345-149 St. Edmonton AB T5L 2J5) or If you would like to support this cause, something close to Dorothys heart was Princess Project; a graduation dress project in Camrose that her daughter-in-law Laura began. It is an opportunity to provide graduation dresses to girls who otherwise would not be able to purchase one. etransfer donations to: swanson@cable-lynx.net

 

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. “ — John 5:24