Raelynn Swenson (nee Symes) 

1944-2022 

Salt Lake City, UT-Raelynn Swenson peacefully returned to the loving embrace of her Heavenly Father on September 29, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to Clair and Minerva Symes on March 2, 1944 in Salt Lake City, the youngest of three and the only girl. As a child, Raelynn enjoyed music, dance and all types of activities: swimming, playing with her brother and being around family. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and was Days of '47 1st attendant in 1963. However, it was her love of music that led her to meet her soulmate, and future husband, Tom Swenson in middle school band class. Raelynn and Tom later attended South High School together, the University of Utah and would marry on August 25, 1965. They and their family were later Sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Together Raelynn and Tom had four children, Sherie (David) Coons, Lori (Matthew Pruss) Swenson, Sandra (Andrew) Nilles and Mark Swenson. Raelynn loved education, and was an ardent supporter of early childhood education. This passion led her to establish and operate Magic Moments Preschool for more than 25 years out of the home she and Tom custom designed for a schoolhouse. Raelynn often said she "never had to work a day in my life, because it's what made me happy." She would fondly recount the times people would walk up to her and say "You're Raelynn… you were my preschool teacher and I remember you," though the students grew, she always remained the same and the impression she made would last a lifetime. She also worked with her husband, Tom, as a Speech and Language Pathologist for Davis County School District. As a young woman Raelynn enjoyed playing piano, flute and organ, playing in church whenever she could. Raelynn and Tom especially enjoyed dancing, a hobby they continued throughout her life. As young people they would spend every weekend finding church or school sponsored dances to attend, and as adults they would dance whenever there was an opportunity. In fact, they created several dance steps which were wholly original, ones they would pull out to impress. Later in life she would rekindle her love of organ and music by becoming the Relief Society Chorister, and by playing organ in her church. Raelynn was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was very proud of her faith. She enjoyed attending services on Sunday and was very proud of the many good friends they had made throughout their life. Raelynn's greatest joy, by far, was her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending every game, activity or event for her grandchildren and was always present with joy and enthusiasm. There was always a light in her eyes and joy in her voice when talking to (or about) her grandchildren. She will be so greatly missed by all who knew her, but we take heart in knowing that she is awaiting each and every one of us in Heaven. 

Raelynn was preceded in death by her parents, Clair and Minerva Symes, as well as her brothers Merrill D. Bowman and Ronald C. Symes. She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Thomas D. Swenson, their children and their ten grandchildren: Zachary, Jessica and Jacob Coons; Amelia Swenson-Pruss; Isabella, Katherine, Alexis and Sebastian Nilles; Theodore and Thomas Swenson. 

A viewing will be held at the Memorial Estates Mountain View Mortuary on Friday, October 7 from 6 to 8 pm. Services will be at 3455 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 on Saturday, October 8 at 11 am, with a viewing immediately preceding. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Raelynn's name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). 

The family would like to thank the providers and staff of the Huntsman Cancer Institute for the compassion and grace with which they cared for Raelynn for many years.
 

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6, 2022.