Leann Kay Swanson

Leann Kay Swanson, age 81, passed away in Bellingham on Thursday, July 10, 2025. She was surrounded by those she loved most and those who loved her most — her husband Jack Swanson, their three sons, and their sons’ families.

Leann was born on November 19, 1943, in Yakima, Washington, to Bion and Nola Saar. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in Yakima in 1961, where she was on the swim team, served as drum major, and was valedictorian. Leann graduated from the University of Washington, where she earned her degree in French and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She always spoke fondly of studying abroad in Switzerland during college, where she honed her French-speaking skills.

While at the University of Washington, Leann met Jack (who was from Bellingham), and their relationship blossomed. They married on December 27, 1966, in Yakima. Leann and Jack were best friends, teammates, and a formidable pair whose love for each other was unconditional.

Leann worked as a flight attendant for Pan American Airlines and taught high school French. She had a lifelong enthusiasm for education. In addition to teaching, she served on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Educational Service District (ESD No. 189) for over 35 years. She volunteered countless hours on the PTA and in classrooms at Silver Beach Elementary, Whatcom Middle, and Sehome High Schools, where her sons — Bradley, Kurt, and Scot — attended.

Leann was a passionate and devoted mom, and her number one priority was her and Jack’s three boys. In addition to volunteering at the boys’ schools, she was active in many organizations, including the Sarah Debra Auxiliary at St. Joseph Hospital and the Twins Club. Leann was the Carpool Queen and one of the original soccer moms.

Leann and Jack attended thousands of practices and games for their sons’ recreational, elementary, middle school, high school, F.C. Rangers, collegiate, and adult soccer teams. They continued this tradition and enjoyed watching their grandchildren's soccer games. Leann was quite the cheerleader!

She loved reading, watching classic movies (with Audrey Hepburn movies at the top), listening to music — especially the Oak Ridge Boys, Elvis, Ricky Nelson, and Alabama — and was always seen wearing hot pink and purple. Leann was very social and supportive of the people around her. She always had something kind to say and made others feel valued. She dearly loved her grandchildren and delighted in spoiling them.

Leann was preceded in death by her parents, Bion and Nola Saar, and her cousin, Donnie Saar. She is survived by her husband, Jack Swanson, and sons:
- Bradley (Lisa) Swanson and their sons Saar and Ryder
- Kurt (Mary) Swanson and their children Luke, Jane, and Jack
- Scot (Kristen) Swanson and their sons Drew and Brady
She is also survived by her cousin, Elizabeth Saar, and Elizabeth’s children: Elizabeth, Eugene, David, Donna, and Paul.

A Service of Remembrance will be held Friday, August 8, at 1 PM at the Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S. Harbor Loop in Bellingham. A reception will follow. All are welcome to celebrate Leann. If you are so inclined, feel free to add some hot pink and/or purple (as much or as little as you like) to your attire for the service.

Please share memories of Leann with her family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.