Karen Anne King Swenson

Augusta, GA – Karen Anne Swenson, 75, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, after a rich and joy-filled life. She spent her final days surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Karen left us in the same way she lived, holding court with her quick wit and keen observations. A few hours before she died, Karen told her children that her husband was coming to get her, heading to their “happily ever after.” Karen was born in Burlington, VT on August 19, 1949. She was the daughter of Charles and Marguerite King. She had one sister and seven brothers. She and her sister Charlene were two peas in a pod. The King family migrated to the South through their dad’s military career and ended up in Columbus, Georgia.

Karen met the love of her life, Stephen E. Swenson, when they were both students at Columbus College. At the sweet, young age of 19, Karen married Steve, thus beginning their adventure as two hippies against the world.

Several years after getting married and after the birth of their second child, Steve and Karen moved to Augusta, GA to become part of the Alleluia Community. They spent nearly 50 years living in Faith Village, where they worked to love their neighbors and grow in holiness. Karen and Steve added six more children to their brood and the couple enjoyed 53 years of marriage, raising their children and watching their family grow. The marriages of their children and the addition of grandchildren brought Karen much joy. 

Karen spent her professional life advocating for children – first, teaching at a school for the deaf and later in her career, as a social worker with the Babies Can’t Wait Program. She especially enjoyed her time teaching fifth grade at the Alleluia Community School and many of her students from that time remember her with great fondness. 

Karen mentored many women over the years and especially loved sharing wisdom on child rearing and family life. 

Tradition was very important to Karen. She created many special memories for our family, including the Thanksgiving Gratitude Journal, the Swenson Family Christmas Talent Show, and reminding us to declare “He is Risen” on repeat every Easter Sunday. Karen also emphasized the importance of not taking for granted the gift of time together, often reminding us this could be “Nana’s (our grandmother) last Christmas.”

Karen was a master organizer. She was a maker of charts and a giver of chores. She loved watching birds from her front window and could also be found somewhere in Faith Village cruising around on her three-wheeled bike. Her cookie-jar was always full, ready for visits from her grandchildren. Karen treasured the times she could serve with the Missionaries of Charity. Especially dear to Karen were her friends; the Lord blessed Karen with many special and deep friendships over the years. Karen was a proud wife and mother and strived to radiate Jesus in all things. 

Karen was predeceased by her husband, her parents and her brothers Wayne King and James King.

Karen is survived by her children — Rachel Swenson Balducci (Paul), Simone Swenson Swann (Travis), Joshua Ephrem Swenson (Carolyn), Gabriel Joseph Swenson (Summer), Daniel Henry Swenson (Karina), Joanna Swenson Watwood (Jordan), Micah Dale Swenson and Zachary Stephen Swenson (Amy), and 28 grandchildren: Ethan, Elliott, Charlie, Augie, Henry, Isabel, Jonah, Anna, Miles, Quinn, Gabi, Sol, Oliver, Lucy, Ezra, Emma Kay, Elijah, Eliana, Judah, John David, Levi, Benjamin, Gunnar, Elam, Isaac, Zoe and Hannah Joy, all who will miss our sweet Gramma/Gaga.

Karen is also survived by her sister, Charlene; brothers Kevin (Betsy), Bubba (Mary), Charlie (Dell), Gary, Bruce (Georgette), her sister-in -law, Shirley Gallant, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Julie Kurek, Dr. Bill Conkright and the staff at Stevens Park. We are also indebted to all the friends and neighbors who have supported Karen over the years. Our mom was so grateful for each one of you. A funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity; Father Jacob Almeter officiating. Graveside service will follow at the Alleluia Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., with a wake to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907.

Donations can be made in Karen’s memory to the Alleluia Community School Alumni Association http://acsalumniassociation.com.  

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.