Irene J. Swenson

Irene Swenson, 100, of Robinson, IL, died September 13, 2020, at Heritage Health in Robinson. She was born November 25, 1919, near Dresser Junction in Polk County, WI, the daughter of G. Lawrence & Jennie Anderson. Following the death of her mother, the family moved to Paxton, IL. She attended the Paxton Schools before graduating from PCHS in 1937 and soon found employment at the telephone office. She married Donald V. Swenson on February 14, 1948, and they lived in Indianapolis, IN for a few years before moving to Fairview Heights, IL in 1954 until her husband's retirement in 1972, when they moved to Paxton to help care for aged aunts. She did some temporary office work in St. Louis, MO before becoming a school secretary at Grant School District at Fairview. A woman of faith, Irene was always active in her church in whatever capacity she was able to serve and was especially fond of participating in the bell choir. Though she was a lifelong Lutheran, locally, she found a church family with the Robinson First Christian Church. She believed in the power of community, which was evident in the numerous organizations she committed herself to as a member: the Mary Circle; the Home Extension in both Ford and Crawford Counties; NARFE Chapter 0854 in Rantoul, IL; as well as the Paxton Senior Citizen Foundation's Share & Care Center where she served as a board member and organized monthly bingo parties and Monday night pinochle. Anyone who knew her will remember her love of travel. She saw much of the continental United States via auto and bus tours and also participated in numerous one-day local trips. An avid sports fan, time at home found her following high school and Big Ten football and basketball, while baseball season was dedicated to her beloved Chicago Cubs. More than anything, her heart belonged to her family. Nothing brought her more joy than simply spending time with her local loved ones or writing letters to those who lived far away. They will all remember Irene as the matriarch of not only their family, but of her community as well. It was evident in the life she led that her heart beat for others and that her creed was to help wherever she could. Though we are thankful that she led a long life, we are more thankful that she filled it with love. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 1984; by her parents, G. Lawrence & Jennie Anderson; by her brothers, Virgil Anderson, Cyril Anderson, and Rev. Glen Anderson, by her sister, Doris Grumish; and by her step-grandson, Matthew Schwab. She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Cecilie "Cooky" & K.E. Newell; by her son & daughter-in-law, Kenneth & Terry Swenson; by her grandchildren, Kara & Walid El-Kadi, Kevin & J.P. Newell, Kirby & Jane Newell, and Ethan Swenson; by 3 step-grandchildren, David Schwab, Stephanie Schwab, and Laura Mefford; by 12 great-grandchildren, Amanda, Tammer, Jenna, Jason, Griffin, Jackson, Landon, Carolina, Lochlan, Elena, James, and Betsy; as well as several nieces and nephews. Irene's family would like to invite you to take part by viewing the livestream of her service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16th. This can be done by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. In honor of her many years of dedicated membership, memorials may be made to either the "Paxton First Lutheran Church" or to the "Robinson First Christian Church". Burial will be in the Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson (303 E Main St. Robinson, IL 62454).