Cutting hair for Cormac

MILL CREEK – If a person’s worth can be measured by how many people show up at a benefit for her child after she’s passed away, Shawn Swensen was a treasure.

Sunday, a silent auction was held at Salon Vici in Mill Creek, where Swensen, 39, worked as a stylist at the time of her sudden death of a seizure Nov. 13. Proceeds of cuts and styles during the day, along with the funds raised by the auction, will go toward the care of Swensen’s 5-year-old son Cormac.

Michael O’Leary / The Herald

Joanie Meyer, a stylist at Salon Vici in Mill Creek, gives a haircut to Kathy Sampson on Sunday as part of a benefit for the son of another stylist who died suddenly Nov. 13.

The place was packed.

“You couldn’t move,” said receptionist Kelsey Sampson.

As of 3:30 p.m., about $5,000 had been collected on silent auction items, including $1,000 for a cruise on Lake Washington and Lake Union and $700 for a dental-care package. Another $4,000 to $5,000 was estimated to still be collected.

More than 60 people made appointments to have their hair done during the day, with all the proceeds going to Cormac’s care. One customer offered $500 for a cut and style, another $200.

“This is just incredible,” said Cathy Swensen, Cormac’s grandmother. The boy will live with his grandparents, with the father’s consent, she said.

Shawn Swensen’s father, John Swensen, said he wasn’t yet sure if she had life insurance. She had a long-standing condition involving brain stem aneurysms, friends and family members said.

The money raised will help to pay for Cormac’s upbringing and college, his grandparents said. John Swensen, 58, is a retired baker now working in real estate. The boy has been taking his mother’s death hard, he said.

“Everyone’s been just pouring out their heart,” Swensen said, nearly choking up at the support his family has received since his daughter’s death.

Shawn Swensen, who lived in Lynnwood, was a special person, said her co-workers and clients at the salon, who described her as friendly, funny, loyal and generous. She was also a devoted single mother, said Kathy Sampson, who had her hair cut by Swensen for the past 10 years.

“She was just the sweetest soul,” Sampson said.

Swensen was always asking how friends and family were doing, Sampson said. Swensen got the receptionist’s job at the salon for Sampson’s daughter, Kelsey.

Those who work at the salon are a close-knit group, employees said.

“Coming into Salon Vici is like coming into the salon version of ‘Cheers,’” said stylist Joanie Meyer.

Meyer, also a single mom, and Swensen had a special bond, she said. They’d often go out to dinner with their children, she said.

The benefit event was therapeutic, Meyer said. “If we couldn’t do this, it would be more difficult. This is good for our soul. We just loved her so much.”

Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.

You can help

For more information on Cormac Swensen’s benefit fund, call Salon Vici at 425-379-8424.

You can help

For more information on Cormac Swensen’s benefit fund, call Salon Vici at 425-379-8424.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Edmonds police officers investigate a shooting that occurred at 236/Edmonds Way Thursday in Edmonds, Washington. (Edmonds Police Department).
Deliberations begin in trial for man accused of killing rideshare driver

Edmonds man Alex Waggoner, 22, faces a second-degree murder charge for shooting Abdulkadir Shariif in Edmonds in January 2024.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Britney Barber, owner of Everett Improv. Barber performs a shows based on cuttings from The Everett Herald. Photographed in Everett, Washington on May 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
August 9 will be the last comedy show at Everett Improv

Everett improv club closing after six years in business.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County will host climate resiliency open house on July 30

Community members are encouraged to provide input for the county’s developing Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan.

Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas talks to the crowd about the new "Imagine Monroe" city flag and symbol before the ribbon cutting on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Monroe unveils its new $17M City Hall and municipal court

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas showcased the new campus to residents, local and state officials during a celebration Monday.

National Weather Service issues red flag warning for slopes of Cascades

High temperatures, low humidity and winds are combining for critical fire weather conditions, either “imminent or occurring now.”

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.