Valerie V Swanson

Valerie V. Swanson, aged 87, died on December 18, 2020 at Wesley Place from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease, a broken hip, and COVID-19. Valerie is survived by two children: Kent (Lora) Swanson of Evanston and Leigh (Michael) Holzman of Chicago, as well as her sister, Pamela Walz (Wayne) Miller of Park Ridge. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Alana Swanson (Ross) Mikosz, Alex Swanson, Nicholas Holzman, Matthew Holzman and Patrick Holzman. Valerie grew up on the north side of Chicago, attending Boone Grade School and Senn High School. Valerie’s social grace and outgoing personality made her many friends. Upon graduation, Valerie took a job at Bell & Howell, a major Chicago manufacturer. With a nod to her British roots, Valerie’s first big purchase was a Morris Minor, a funky mid-50s convertible. Valerie also enjoyed golf and could keep score at a Cubs game. Valerie met her husband of 56 years, Donald, in a church singles group. After a short engagement, they were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in 1957. They were strongly rooted in their community and lived in only two homes over this lengthy span. Both homes hosted many gatherings of family and friends. New Year’s Eve parties and dinner parties that lasted into the wee hours and huge family Easter egg hunts will remain a treasured memory for many. Valerie’s entertainment skills were legendary. Dinner for 12, 24 or 48 was never a problem. It just meant making more casseroles, Swedish meatballs, and egg rolls. Valerie would lead the conversations, and most evenings featured Don at the piano, and guests joining in to sing. Valerie excelled in many of her pursuits. She was an accomplished seamstress who made many of Kent and Leigh’s clothes and even Leigh’s wedding dress. She served as PTA President for several years in the Chicago Public Schools, but after a 23-day strike in 1973, the card-carrying Lutheran moved her children to Sacred Heart and Loyola Academy. Valerie was deeply involved in school events, fundraising, and operations at Sacred Heart. She eventually was designated a life trustee. Valerie was also devoted to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and Holy Family Ministries as a board member, weekly volunteer, and event chair. Funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held in Summer 2021, when friends and family can once again come together to hug and reminisce without fear of infection. Memorial donations in Valerie’s name may be made to Holy Family Ministries (https://hfm.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/61889/Default.aspx) or Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (https://www.lssi.org/donate.php?ref=header ). Valerie will be interred in a family plot at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago.

Valerie V Swanson

March 31, 1933 - December 19, 2020

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Valerie V Swanson

March 31, 1933 - December 19, 2020

365 Days of Grief Support

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