Kathleen "Kathy" Swanson

On February 25, 2025, Kathleen “Kathy” Keenan Swanson, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 77. Her soul mate and husband, Raymond “Butch” Swanson, was waiting to greet her and usher her into their next life together.

Kathy was born on August 23, 1947, at the Anaconda hospital, just after the 4:00 p.m. foundry whistle blew, to Patrick John Keenan and Ann Vanisko Keenan. Her life was deeply influenced by the history and tight-knit community of Anaconda. She grew up under the shadow of the towering smokestack in Goosetown, and graduated from Anaconda Central High School. Later, she and Butch moved to their home, where the picture window offered a view of both the “C” Hill and the “A” Hill, a place where they built their life together and raised their children. Kathy found joy in watching the young children walk to and from the elementary school, especially, the Halloween parade.

Kathy dedicated herself to raising four strong, brilliant, humorous, and boisterous children while Butch taught public elementary school. Always community-oriented, she spent weekends and holidays cooking for the county jail when her children were young. As her kids grew more independent, Kathy joined the team at the Southwest Montana Community Federal Credit Union, where she worked as a teller for over 20 years. The credit union’s staff and its members became like family to her.

Kathy was also a lifelong member, and past president, of Division 1 of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH). She wore her sash with pride, attending ceilidhes and other events. Her strong values of community and service aligned perfectly with the mission of the LAOH. The members became like sisters to her, united in their shared love for all things Irish.

Kathy took great pride in representing the Anaconda, Philipsburg, and Drummond areas when she ran for and won a seat in the Montana State Legislature. One of her proudest accomplishments was carrying the bill that increased the wages of state workers. She knew this salary boost would have a significant impact on the hardworking union workers in Warm Springs and at the state prison. Kathy served her community as a House Representative from 2011-2019.

Kathy loved her family, the Anaconda community, Notre Dame football, the University of Montana Grizzlies, being a Democrat, and spending time with her many lifelong friends.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Butch Swanson, her parents, Patrick John Keenan and Annie Vanisko Keenan, her mother-in-law Mary Beatty Swanson, father-in-law Harold Swanson, sister-in-law Mariann Rouse, and infant grandchildren Keenan Patrick and Bryan Quane Swanson.

Kathy is survived by her children:  Dayna Swanson (Denise Juneau), Hod Swanson, Erik Swanson (Maggie Anderson Swanson), and Kate Swanson Benson (Chase Benson); her five grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life:  Daylee Swanson, Bridger Swanson, Cedric Benson, Zale Benson, and Cashel Benson; and her beloved siblings: Colleen Keenan D’Arcy (Joe D’Arcy), Marianne Keenan Mackay (Don Mackay), Nancy Keenan, and Tom Keenan (Laury Wing). She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Pam Swanson, and many nieces and nephews who brought her great happiness.

A special heartfelt thank you to the Anaconda Hospice team who comforted Kathy in her last month – Sheila, Amy, and Leah.

A Wake will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home. The Rosary will be prayed beginning at 6pm that evening and sharing personal stories about Kathy will follow. Visitation begins at 9:30am, Saturday, March 8th at Holy Family Church, 217 Pennsylvania in Anaconda. The Ladies AOH ceremony will begin at 10:15 am with Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Rite of Committal will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery and a reception will be held back at the church in the Hunthausen Center. For those that are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed and can be watched form this webpage. The livestream link will be up on Friday.

Memorials in honor of Kathy are suggested to Anaconda Pintler Hospice, 118 E 7th St., Anaconda, MT 59711 or to the Ladies AOH - mailing address to come.

To honor Kathy, raise a Bud Light, and give her a toast of slainte.

Go Irish.

Visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Kathy.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory has been privileged to care Kathy and her family.