Dorothy Ann Swanson (Melander)

March 08, 1932 ~ December 19, 2025

Dorothy Ann Swanson (Melander), 93, of South Bend, IN., passed Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. Paul’s Life Plan Community. Dorothy was born on March 8, 1932 in South Bend to the late Richard and Anna (Pearson) Swanson and was a lifetime area resident.

On June 26, 1954 in South Bend, Dorothy married Harry B. Melander. Harry preceded her in death. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Martha A. Melander, and brother, Roland R. Swanson.

Dorothy is survived by a son, David H. (Louise) Melander of Mishawaka, IN. and a daughter, Carol C. (Raymond) Erickson of Chicago, IL, five grandchildren; Anna, Axel (Amanda) Erickson, Elin (Peter) Norberg of Chicago, IL, and Jared (Kayla) and Jordan Melander of Mishawaka, IN, six great-grandchildren; Lincoln, Theodore, and George Melander, Hugo and Lovisa Norberg, and Archibald Erickson. A brother, Edward (Kathleen) Swanson of Hillsdale MI.

Dorothy proudly carried on Swedish traditions throughout her life, weaving them into family gatherings and daily living, creating a heritage of warmth, faith, and togetherness that will endure for generations.

Education and faith were central to Dorothy’s life. She graduated from Riley High School, South Bend, and Ball State University with a degree in education and went on to teach elementary school, shaping young lives with patience, kindness, and encouragement.

She had many names, daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mom, mormor, gammelmormor, and friend, but the greatest of all, a child of God. She lived her life humbly in service to her Lord and Savior.

A devout Christian, she was a lifelong member and served in many positions of leadership for the Evangelical Covenant Church of South Bend, including teaching Sunday school. One of her primary passions was for missions, home and abroad, serving on short-term mission trips as well as an auxiliary board member of Ray Bird Ministries. She traveled to 27 countries spreading the love and hope of Jesus. She was also a discussion group leader with Bible Study Fellowship for over a decade, welcoming new members and nurturing spiritual growth.

For the past 13 years, Dorothy made her home at St. Paul’s Retirement Community, where she quickly became a friend to all. She led a Bible study group, was a member of the Time Out midweek service, became a leader in the community grief group, worked in the store for residents, and used her artistic talents to create beautiful floral arrangements for the dining hall. Her love for art was another gift she generously shared with those around her.

Dorothy Melander’s life was a testament to love in action. Her faith, compassion, and dedication to teaching and caregiving touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Services will be held on Friday, January 2, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s of South Bend, 3602 South Ironwood Drive, South Bend where a visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Pastor Kendall Dahlstrom will officiate the services.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Mission Committee at St. Paul’s of South Bend or to Ray Bird Ministries, 25765 Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46628.

Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka is assisting the family.

Online condolences can be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Posted online on December 24, 2025

Published in South Bend Tribune

Added 12/24/2025 1749 GMS

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Dorothy-Melander