Death of Pamela Ann Swanson

Pamela Ann (Mantell) Swanson passed peacefully to her rest in her home in Berrien Springs on Jan. 13, 2022.

A time to gather to celebrate her life has not as yet been determined. In lieu of flowers, tributes may be sent to Your Story Hour in memory of the teacher who loved children and who was dearly loved by the children she taught.

On Feb. 28, 1939, Pam was born to Philip and Sheila Mantell in Cape Town, South Africa. She spent her early years in the city of Port Elizabeth where she completed her primary and high school education at her beloved Collegiate School for Girls. Later she went on to earn a secretarial diploma, and to complete her teacher-training at Helderberg College in Somerset West.

In 1990 she graduated from Andrews University with a Master’s degree in teaching English.

As a respected and well-loved elementary school educator, she taught in six Adventist church schools in South Africa prior to immigrating with her husband and three daughters to America in 1978.

Pam loved entertaining colleagues and guests in her home in Berrien Springs, and many of her children’s friends, as well as student families from the Seminary enjoyed her gracious hospitality.

Her 26-year career in the Seminary as administrative assistant and office manager brought her much fulfillment; and numerous students that she advised testified about her friendliness, competence and helpfulness. While working for the Adventist Mission’s Institute she traveled with the team that prepared missionaries and their families for the conditions they would face in many parts of the world.

Pam was a lover of all things beautiful, especially the ocean, and was famous among her acquaintances for her gorgeous flower garden. She enjoyed playing tennis, even into her later years, and she appreciated the opportunity to make new friends on the tennis court. Music was an important part of her life and some of her happiest times were when she and her family were gathered around the piano.

Her parents preceded her in death, as did her firstborn daughter, Lee-Anne. She is survived and mourned by her brothers, Vincent and Fraser Mantell and their famiies; Peter Swanson, her husband of 57 years and his extended family; her daughters, Shel and Mandy and their families; the Danforths; 10 grandchildren; and countless friends.