Helen L. Swanson

Helen L. Swanson, 95, of Rockford, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in her home. Born June 9, 1922 in Elgin, IL, the daughter of Edward & Julia (Lindholm) Landwehr. Graduate of Augustana College class of 1945, where she sang in The Augustana Choir all four years. She later earned her Master’s degree from Rockford College. Helen taught elementary school and was a Helping Music Teacher for over 20 years in the Rockford School District. Music was her life. In her last years of teaching she taught music to special needs children at Page Park and Muhl Center. She married Vincent E. Swanson in Elgin on June 15, 1947. He predeceased her on June 24, 1961. Member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and previous member of Alpine Lutheran Church, where she was the Choir Director and Bell Choir Director.
Survivors include children daughter Kristine H. Swanson; son David V. (Judith K. Hintzsche) Swanson; grandchildren Hannah E. (Nathaniel) Bates and Sarah V. (Brandon) Groeling; great granddaughter Sapphire Bates; special niece and nephew Cheryl Landwehr of Elgin, IL, and Tom (Sue) Landwehr of Gilberts, IL.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Helen’s caregivers Zhanna, Rita, Marcia, Billie Jo, Tammy, Kanisha, Vicki, Julie, and the many other Angels who cared for her over the years.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2715 S Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61109, with the Rev. Scott Benolkin officiating. Visitation Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. A private burial will be at Arlington Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either Rock River Valley Food Pantry, Northern Illinois Hospice or Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in her name. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. – Send online condolence at www.fitzgeraldfh.com