Ailie Swanson of Boulder died on January 2, 2025, at the age of 93. She was born on September 19, 1931, in Esko, Minnesota, to Jennie and John Sota, two Finnish-American farmers. After overcoming polio, Ailie briefly lived in Florida before returning to Minnesota, where she married William Swanson of nearby Cloquet in 1955. Soon afterward, she gave birth to four children in the span of 46 months. In 1966, the family relocated to Boulder when Bill accepted a position as a computer programmer at IBM, even though Ailie was pregnant with their youngest child at the time. While Ailie loved living in Boulder, her greatest passion was traveling. As her children grew, the family transitioned from camping trips in Colorado’s mountains—using an oversized canvas tent—to increasingly adventurous international journeys. Ailie was a dedicated member of Atonement Lutheran Church and active in local Finnish and Norwegian organizations. She particularly enjoyed participating in Elderhostel tours and hosting international students and professors in her home. After losing her husband, Ailie spent 30 years as a widow, maintaining her independence in her Martin Acres home for as long as possible before eventually moving to assisted living facilities in Lafayette.
She is survived by her children: Lisa Swanson of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Jay Swanson of Dolores, Colorado; Shari Swanson-Hicks (John Hicks, deceased) of Erie, Colorado; Trudi (Shane) Sorensen of Avon, Colorado; and Dwight Swanson (Jennifer Accardo) of Bon Air, Virginia. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Dustin Wilkes, Raissa Wilkes, Jolie Swisher (Michael), Evan Hicks, Frances Swanson, and Joseph Swanson; two great-grandchildren, Jameson Swisher and Kohana Swisher, and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her brother James David Sota, and was predeceased by brothers Allen, Clifford, and Henry Sota, and sister Jeannette Sota Marino.
A memorial service will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Boulder on April 25, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder; the Emergency Family Assistance Association, Boulder; or the Esko Historical Society, Esko, Minnesota.
My sincere condolences to the family of Ailie Swanson. I knew her through her friend Elizabeth MacIntyre and they were good friends. Allie used to help Elizabeth with her house work. We used to have some nice talks on the phone. And I would visit Ailie once in a while. She will be missed.