Helen Swenson

Helen Swenson, age 89, passed away at 11:24 pm on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Lynn’s Heritage House in Louisiana, Missouri. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by family and the caring staff at Heritage House. Helen, the youngest of nine children, was born on October 5, 1923 in Aurora, Illinois. Her parents, Maria Carmella Monaco and Antonio Traversino, immigrated to the United States from San Marco in Lamis, Provincia di Foggia, Italy. Helen was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Helen met the love of her life, Norman Charles (Pat) Swenson, in Sandwich, Illinois when Pat was giving Helen’s brother, Tony, a ride to see his girlfriend. Pat saw Helen standing next to Tony and asked who the beautiful girl was. Pat and Helen hit it off immediately and were married on December 17, 1949 in Aurora, Illinois. They moved to Louisiana, Missouri in 1960 for Pat’s job at Louisiana Plastics. Helen and Pat had 8 children, 7 daughters in a row followed by 1 son, and were married for 59 years at the time of Pat’s death on June 9, 2009. They had a lively, loving home where everyone was welcome at any time. Helen was famous for her skills in the kitchen. Italian cooking was her specialty and there was always a celebration when she made her homemade pasta and sauce! She was also a skilled cake decorator and her children treasure the memories of chocolate chip chiffon cakes covered in green frosting and topped with pink frosting roses made for their birthdays each year. An active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Louisiana, Helen taught CCD, a religious education for children for many years, and she and her husband delivered communion to elderly and sick members of the church. Helen moved to Lynn’s Heritage House in 2009 and enjoyed her final years getting to know the other residents and being visited by family and friends. She loved going for rides, especially to get ice cream, and her eyes always lit up when her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into the room. Helen is survived by her children: Karen Hallows and husband Keith Hall of Oakton, VA; Kristine Dewey and husband Karl Dewey of Louisiana, MO; Deborah Maly of Sun Lake, AZ; Sandra Steinlage and husband Leon Steinlage of Topeka, KS; Janice Hallows and husband John Hallows of Seattle, WA; Laurie McMillin and husband Miles McMillin of Leawood, KS; Cynthia Harris and husband Paul Harris of Hannibal, MO; and David Swenson and partner Linda Holtsman of Louisiana, MO. She also leaves behind 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Visitation will be at Collier Funeral Home from 10:00am – 12:00 followed by funeral services at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 2:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pike County Health Department, Homecare and Hospice Foundation or the Louisiana High School Alumni Association Memorial Scholarship Fund. The family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff at Heritage House for their loving care and attentiveness, and to Pike County Hospice for the comfort provided to Helen in her final days. Helen will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She was small in stature but made a huge impact in the lives of many.

Helen Swenson

October 5, 1923 - March 24, 2013