Ruth Mattson Swanberg, 102, peacefully passed away in her New Canaan home on October 22, 2023. She was born on September 24th, 1921, in Norwood, MA, graduated from Lasell Jr. College, and married her husband Ned during WWII, who passed away in 2015 after nearly 72 years of marriage. Ruth lived in CT for 74 years and deeply cherished her community.
Ruth Mattson Swanberg
Her involvement was profound. Ruth was a longtime member of the Stamford-Norwalk Jr. League. She trained as a Nurses Aide through the Red Cross, subsequently volunteering at Norwalk Hospital for several years. Gardening was her passion, both in her own backyard and as a 52-year member of the New Canaan Garden Club, serving as President from 1982-84. Additionally, she served on the Board of Associates for the Garden Club of America in 1993 and was the Zone II Director from 1993-1995. With over 20 years of volunteer service to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Ruth’s floral arranging talents brightened many a hospital common room.
Ruth and her husband were founding members of the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, where she sang in the Church choir for over 30 years. Many years ago, she and her husband were also among the founding members of Staying Put and the New Canaan YMCA. During her long and joyous life, Ruth traveled extensively, enjoyed skiing, golfing, fly fishing, and was a fantastic cook who often entertained. Above all, Ruth will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. She was equally beloved and admired by her children – Linda Musser (William), Charles (Robin), and Peter (Eileen); 8 grandchildren – Philip Musser, Lila Preston, Garrett, Trevor, Tyler, and Conor Swanberg, Carly Snell (Swanberg), Molly Norton, and 12 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned for the Spring at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, to which any donations in her memory may be made.
[Note: This obituary appeared on Legacy.com.]