Carol Mae Swanberg, a longtime resident of Hilmar, CA, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the age of 83. She was born in Irwin, CA on February 23, 1932 to her parents Royal and Lillie Oliver. At a young age, she, her two brothers, and sister lost their mother and went to live with their aunt and uncle, Mattie and Ivan Carlson. She attended Riverside Elementary School in Hilmar, and Hilmar High School, graduating in 1949. She married John Swanberg on May 7, 1955. They were married forty-one years and had two sons, Gary and Dale. Carol worked many years for the Hilmar Unified School District as an instructional assistant and librarian. 

Carol was a longtime member of Berea Lutheran Church in Hilmar, which was always an important part of her life. She served as church secretary, and, later, for many years as treasurer. She enjoyed making patchwork quilts and worked with a group of women who made quilts to donate to Lutheran World Relief for less fortunate families.

Carol was an avid reader her entire life and was the treasurer for Friends of the Library, which raised funds for the Irwin-Hilmar Library. She was also a member of Vasa, a group dedicated to preserving Scandinavian heritage and culture, and the Hilmar Historical Society.

Carol was a loving wife, dedicated mother, very special sister and aunt, and a great friend to many that shared her life. She was preceded in death by her husband John and brothers Ralph and Kenneth. She is survived by her sons Gary of Hilmar, and Dale of Atwater, sister Phyllis Price of Sun City West, AZ, and nieces Jeanette Schmitt of Fremont, and Stephanie Gordon of Juneau, AK.

A memorial service will be held at Turlock Funeral Home on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., followed by interment at Hilmar Cemetery District.