Audrey A. Swanson

Audrey A. Swanson, 82, of Oneida, Illinois, passed away at her home Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 2:57 A.M. Audrey was born June 20, 1933 in the Ontario Township near Oneida, Illinois the daughter of Vernon and Ruth (Brown) Swanson. She graduated from (then) ROVA High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics Education from the University of Illinois in 1955. After leaving the University, she taught in Geneseo, Kankakee, and East Moline. At that time, she felt that she should return to pursue an advanced degree and received her Master’s Degree from Iowa State University in 1966. She loved to travel. She had the great opportunity to teach in the American schools on the bases of the Army and Air Force in both Spain and Germany. After returning from Europe she finished her teaching career at Tinley Park, teaching there for 22 years. After retiring, Audrey chose to move back home to Oneida, Illinois, where she became very active throughout the community. While she was a member of the Greig Memorial Library Board, she unselfishly provided the money to add an addition for the Museum and also gave the bulk of her own collection to display. The Museum was dedicated on November 20, 1999 in her honor. Later she was awarded the Studs Terkel Humanitarian Award and also given the Alliance Library System Trustee of the Year Award. She served as the President of the Board and also a member of the Friends of the Library Group. Audrey was a proud and faithful member of the United Church of Oneida; Oneida Women’s Club, Presbyterian Women’s Club, Alpha Rho Sorority, and the Retired Knox County Teachers. She served on a church mission trip in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. She also helped design the Oneida High School Memorial. She is survived by her 2 aunts, Margaret Swanson of San Diego, California, Elizabeth Olson of Moline, Illinois, a special friend Henrietta Bruening of Evanston, Illinois, and many cousins on the Swanson and Brown Side. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Ruth Swanson. The family would like to thank Audrey’s loving friends and caregivers Donna Morgan, Kris Mundwiler, and Kary West for their loving and dedicated care. The family is also very appreciative of the quality of care that Western Illinois Home Health Care provided. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the United Church of Oneida. The Funeral service will directly follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be in the Oneida Cemetery. Rev. David Pyell will be officiating the services. Memorial contributions can be left to the Oneida Cemetery Association or to the Greig Memorial Library. The Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Oneida, Illinois is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Audrey A. Swanson please visit our Sympathy Store.