JoAnn Swanson

JoAnn “Sassy” Swanson slipped away peacefully at her home February 23, 2025, at the age of 92.

She grew up in the west end of Davenport, graduating from Davenport High in 1951 as a two-year varsity cheerleader.

Sassy retired as “Shipping Supervisor” in 1990 from Building 299 of the RIA and was a long-term member of the Davenport Eagles #235 Women's Auxiliary. She was proud to be one of the fastest morning walkers at NorthPark Mall. She had a great singing voice and volunteered with the “Good News Singers” Christian Chorus Group. She lost often but loved playing bingo and was loved by many players at the Mississippi Valley Fair Bingo games.

Sassy is survived by her children: Debi Graham Schroeder (Bill), Billy Graham (Linette), John Graham (Lori), Margie Kelley (Dan), Shawn Graham; stepchildren Eric, Kurt, Melanie & Lenora; grandchildren: Ryan Hanghian, Katie Holmes, Jonathan Hanghian, Boe Graham, Cory Graham, Tarah Bhave, Chester Graham, Ashley Krajic, Amy Harrington, Billy Graham, Kelli Hepton, Cindy Graham, Chester Graham, JonMichael Graham, Meghan Burroughs and Kevin Kelley; 30 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; brother Larry Hart (Linda); and several nieces and nephews. 

Preceded her in death are her parents Margaret Wells Hart and George Hart; husbands: David Hanghian, Billy Graham and Norm Swanson; children: David Hanghian, Mike and Chester Graham; grandchildren Mike and Patrick Graham; sisters Jeannie Whitcomb, Janelle Bearbower; and brothers Chico, Bob, Dick and John Hart.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her best friend Kathy Gerhling and neighbors Bill Kaesbauer and Michael Neels who checked in on Sassy, brought her gifts and showered her with love; to Dr. Rafat Padaria, Cardiologist, Dr. Gena Benoit, Primary, and Dr. Paulette Ong PA, Pulmonary, for their exceptional, personable care and kindness. Last but certainly not least to family members who visited her, provided her meal prep, brought her groceries, cleaned her condo, took her to her appointments and allowed her to stay in her home until her death. You know who you are. Thank you all!

Sassy was a beautiful soul and a blessing to many.

Visitation will be from 12-1pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Halligan-McCabe-Devries Funeral Home, Davenport, with a Celebration of Life immediately following. The funeral livestream may be viewed and condolences expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the Family.