Mary Fatima Estacio Swanson, 77, of Turlock returned to the Lord on June 1, 2026, lovingly surrounded by her husband and children. Though her passing was far too soon, and she still had much to look forward to, she left this world with the same dignity and grace that characterized her life. In her final months, Mary exhibited remarkable strength and courage, remaining wholly devoted to her faith and family.
Mary was born in Ponta Delgada, Flores, Azores, on March 30, 1949, to Carlos Francisco Estacio, Jr. and Maria de Conceição Feno Estacio. She was the second oldest of ten siblings and the eldest daughter.
In 1956, at age seven, Mary immigrated to the United States with her family, where they settled in Turlock. Mary spent her youth helping on the family dairy and assisting in raising her younger siblings. She graduated from Turlock High School in 1968 and then received her associate degree from Modesto Junior College.
After college, Mary worked at Souza’s Furniture and then at Turlock Irrigation District, where she met the love of her life, Donald Swanson, Jr. They were married in 1982, and went on to welcome three children.
Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and avó who always put her family first. While her children were young, she served as room parent for their classes, chaperoned school field trips, organized class parties, and shuttled them to various activities across town. She emphasized the importance of education and hard work, always encouraging her children to ask questions and advocate for themselves. She took great pride in watching each of them graduate from college and graduate school and begin careers and families of their own.
Always the caretaker, Mary also helped care for many of her nieces and nephews, forming close bonds that lasted throughout her life. She cared for her ailing father even while undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2010. After her father’s death, her mother moved in with Mary and Don, and Mary cared for her tirelessly until her passing in 2019.
In recent years, Mary found great joy in spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from 12 years to 10 months. She loved visiting her daughters and their families in Southern California and traveling with her whole family, most recently to Avila Beach, Disneyland, Hawaii, Italy, and Coronado Island. Over the years, she and Don often visited Carmel and Half Moon Bay to celebrate their wedding anniversary and traveled to several major U.S. cities for Don’s work conferences.
Mary was known for her signature silver hair, which drew countless compliments. She enjoyed having her hair blown out and styled in a way that was always chic and matched her beautiful smile.
A devoted Catholic, Mary had a deep faith in God and was active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church and All Saints University Parish. She was also a member of Our Lady of Fatima Society in Turlock and enjoyed celebrating her Portuguese heritage at festas and other cultural events. She prayed the Rosary every evening and continuously sought the intercession of Our Lady.
Mary will be remembered as an incredibly strong and selfless woman who was full of life and had the most loving heart. The bond she had with her husband and children was never more evident than in Mary’s final days, which saw her family constantly at her bedside.
Mary leaves behind her beloved husband of 44 years, Don; her children, Kelsey Larson (Brent), Lesley Holmes (Alex), and Donnie Swanson (Lori); and her grandchildren, Linnea, William, and Anneliese Larson, Seraphina and Alexander Holmes, and Donald Swanson IV. She is also survived by her sister, Julie Teran (Gerald); brothers, John Estacio (Angela), Carlos Estacio (Bernadette), Jimmy Estacio (Lori), Bobby Estacio (Belina), and Tony Estacio (Gabriela); and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Maria Estacio; her oldest brother, Joe F. Estacio; her sister, Celeste Drumonde; and an infant brother. Mary’s memory is a blessing to all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1200 Lyons Ave., Turlock. Entombment will follow at the Sunset Mausoleum at Turlock Memorial Park. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that donations in her memory be made to the TSC Alliance, an organization that has provided invaluable support for her granddaughter, Seraphina. https://give.tscalliance.org/maryswanson
Please share your memories and condolences at www.turlockfuneralhome.com
