Wanda Leean (Curington) Swanson, 92, long-time resident of Idyllwild, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Eisenhower Medical Center, in Palm Desert, on Saturday, April 8, 2017, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Charlie, Texas, on May 25, 1924, to James Roy and Ola Vae Curington, and she was always known in the community as “Leean.”

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Soroptimist International. Before moving to Idyllwild, she had raised her children in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California and worked in land and real estate development, developing Lake Shastina in Northern California. During her 30 years of residence in Idyllwild, she was an avid entrepreneur, owning Bellows Antiques, Cats Meow and O’Sullivans’ Restaurant. Her passions included painting, genealogy and world travel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leland Swanson and brother Leroy Curington. She is survived by three daughters, Phyllis Curington Brown of Idyllwild, Robbin Decker of Palm Desert and Heather Bowman of Lehi, Utah; and by stepdaughter Pam Sanchez of Hemet. She is also survived by sister Jenna Griffith of Burkburnett, Texas, and brother Lloyd Curington of Austin, Texas; by grandchildren Terry Ragsdale, Jason Bowman, Brandon Bowman, Jenny Kirchner and Danielle Decker; and by six great-grandchildren.

The family celebrated Leean’s life during her final day. No other services are scheduled at this time. If you wish to donate to a memorial fund, please give to the Charlie Cemetery Foundation, c/o Linda Bevering, North Bevering Drive, Charlie, Texas 76305.

Similar Posts

  • Obituary: Joseph Brugman

    Joseph Brugman, 82, an Idyllwild resident for seven years, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2001, at his home in Fern Valley. Mr. Brugman was born July 30, 1919, in Seattle, Wash. He graduated from the University of Washington School of Mines with a degree in engineering. He served in the Army Air Corps during World…

  • Obituary: Lori Alexander

    Lori Alexander, 64, teacher, pianist and composer, died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, after a brave battle with cancer. She was at home in Santa Monica, surrounded by those who loved her. Lori, whose parents were Jannette Alexander and Howard Alexander, both deceased, was born Nov. 13, 1948. She is survived by her husband William…

  • Obituary: Kristi Lynn Yates

    Memorial services for Kristi Lynn Yates, of Idyllwild, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at Idyllwild Pines Camp (formerly Camp Gilboa), entered from the end of Lower Pine Crest Avenue. She was 42. Mrs. Yates was born May 6, 1956, in Hemet, and was a native of Idyllwild. She attended Idyllwild Elementary…

  • Obituary: Diana Rose Harvey

    Diana Rose (Lightell) Harvey, 65, passed away on March 6, 2010. She was born on Oct. 19, 1944 in New Orleans, La. to Margaret Mary (Bourgeois) Lightell and Herman Lightell. She was married to Clark Lee Harvey on April 13, 1964 in Riverside, Calif. Diana’s quick and surprising death reminds us all to live every…

  • Obituary: Lloyd G. Wood 1927-2017

    Long-time resident/friend of the “Hill” Lloyd G. Wood died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2017, at home, surrounded by his wife Shirley of 70 years, daughters Karen McCoy and Linda Richerson, and grandchildren Jennifer Wood and Robert Whaley. Lloyd came to live in Idyllwild in 1947 when he and Shirley were married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27,…