Carol A. Swanson (Johnson), age 89, a woman of deep faith and creative spirit, passed away on February 5, 2026. A longtime resident of North Reading, Carol’s life was defined by her devotion to her family, her community, and the quiet joy of a hand-stitched quilt.

Born and raised in Peabody, Carol eventually settled in North Reading, where she spent the majority of her life. She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church, where her faith was a guiding light and a constant source of strength.

Carol was a gifted seamstress and quilter, and her family will always cherish the beautiful pieces she meticulously crafted. Her hands were rarely still; when she wasn’t sewing, she was often giving back to her original hometown by volunteering at the Peabody Senior Center. Carol also lived life with great energy—she was a regular at aqua aerobics and found immense joy in the theater, frequently attending plays and musicals with friends and family.

Above all, Carol loved her family deeply. She was the heart of every gathering and the steady hand her loved ones always relied on.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Clyde Swanson.

Carol also leaves behind her loving children: Susan Fitzgerald and her partner Michael Poltack; Eric Swanson and his wife Pam; and Lynne Day and her husband Michael. She was the cherished grandmother of Casey Fitzgerald, Ian Fitzgerald, and Dylan Fitzgerald and his fiancée Taylor O’Clair. She is also survived by her only great-grandchild, Reese Fitzgerald.

Arrangements are under the care of Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. At the request of the family, services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Carol’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org). Contributions may also be made to the Peabody Senior Center or St. Theresa’s Parish in North Reading.