Sally Swanson

Some people spend their lives within themselves, closed off from those around them, never reaching out, or helping out. But not Sally Swanson. Sally was a woman who treasured the connections she made with others more than anything. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a woman who made such an impact on all who knew her.

Sally's story began in 1928, in the charming Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois. Those were bright days in this country, the calm before the storm of the Great Depression, and Americans had many reasons to celebrate. In Oak Park, Dr. Roland Jacobson and his wife, Janet Taylor, had many reasons to celebrate, as well, with the birth of twin girls. On February 11, 1928, a cold, snowy Saturday, they welcomed identical twin daughters they named Sally and Suzanne, joining their older sister Janet in the Jacobson home. Sadly, Sally's sister Suzanne died when she was just eight years old.

In the coming years, as so many Americans suffered during the dark days of the Depression, the Jacobsons lived a life of privilege. Sally's father was an orthopedic surgeon, who owned a clinic in Chicago, while her mother was charged with taking care of the home. Sally's fondest childhood memories were of the family shopping trips to downtown Chicago, to visit Marshall Field's at Christmastime a tradition she continued with her family.

Sally led a very active childhood, with the opportunity to participate in tennis, ice skating, and horseback riding, although she never fell in love with any of those activities. Sally's first love was always for reading, a love that lasted a lifetime. She was a very bright young girl, with an active mind and a passion for learning, and someday, for teaching.

After Sally graduated from Oak Park High School, her family sent her to Pembroke College, now known as Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island. Sally didn't feel she fit in there, however, and transferred to the University of Wisconsin after a year. She then transferred even closer to home, attending Northwestern University, where she earned her degree in social work in 1950. She found much more than an education at Northwestern, though.

Sally was very active there in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, an organization she remained active in her whole life, and it became a big part of who she was. But she found another lifelong love at Northwestern, too. In the spring of 1948, Sally met a handsome young classmate named Lowell "Swede" Swanson, a young man from Kalamazoo, Michigan. They went on a blind date together, attending a drive-in movie. That one date was enough for Swede, who was quite taken with this beautiful, intelligent young woman. That summer Sally went to Yellowstone National Park to work as a waitress, but Swede didn't forget her, and wrote her a letter telling her he wanted to see her again. A year-and-a-half later (during Swede's stint in the Korean War), the two were married, on April 26, 1952, at the Congregational Church in Oak Park.

The newlyweds moved to Swede's hometown of Kalamazoo, and into a small apartment on Waite and Winchell roads. Sally went to work first at the Chamber of Commerce, then Precision Casting Co, an Insurance Co and Children and Family Services.

Eventually the couple moved to a home on Vassar Drive, where their family would get bigger. There they were blessed with the births of son Donald, in 1955, and daughter Laurie, in 1957.

Ever hungry to learn, Sally went back to school part-time at Western Michigan University, to pursue a degree in Early Elementary Education. After receiving her degree in 1970, she went to work at Ramona Lane and Waylee Schools in Portage, where she taught the first grade until her retirement in 1989. Sally loved teaching, and the children loved her, as well. She was always so good at connecting with others, making her a natural educator. She also helped tutor struggling students with their reading, helping foster the same love for reading she had.

Her students didn't forget her, or what she did for them, either. Many of her former students invited her to their weddings, graduations or other events. That's the kind of impact Sally had on so many lives. She was so positive, upbeat and generous of her time, and when she started something, she gave it a "gung ho" attitude that was infectious to everyone around her.

Sally and Swede moved into the Foxwood Condominiums on Foxfire Trail in 1983 after their children had grown. She had retired from teaching in 1989, yet continued to stay as active as ever. She volunteered for the Michigan Association for Retired Service People (MARSP), helping with health insurance and Medicare questions, eventually becoming health insurance chairwoman of MARSP. She worked with legislators on health issues, and lectured all over Michigan for MARSP, as well as nationally for the AARP.

Sally was also very supportive of Swede's endeavors, as well. He was a longtime member of the Jaycees, and Sally and Swede enjoyed the social aspects of the organization. Sally also loved her bridge club, a game she played most of her life. She was part of many bridge groups over the years. Sally enjoyed dancing, parties and social events. Her outgoing, vivacious personality made her a natural at having a good time. Christmastime was especially dear to her, and she always went all-out to celebrate, decorating her house inside and out, and setting out the good china for formal gatherings.

For the past 16 years, she and Swede wintered in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, where they made so many wonderful friends over the years. They loved that part of the country, where Sally enjoyed shopping for clothes or costume jewelry. And of course, they seldom missed the Mardi gras parade, always a must-see for Sally.

In recent years, Sally's health declined, and it became hard for her to get around. Trips to the hospital became more frequent. Sadly, Sally died June 30, 2006, due to complications of congestive heart failure.

Sally was a remarkable woman, such a cheerful, gracious lady, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to so many. Sally's life was defined by the connections she made with others, and the lessons she taught us along the way. She always reached out, and lifted up. She will be greatly missed.

Sally Swanson, age 78, of Portage died June 30, 2006 at Mercy Medical in Daphne, Alabama. Sally was born February 11, 1928 in Oak Park, Illinois the daughter of Dr. Roland and Janet (Taylor) Jacobson. She was a retired teacher with the Portage Public Schools. Learn more about Sally, view her Life Story Film and visit with her family and friends Saturday July 29 from 2:00-3:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler 6080 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where a service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 PM following the visitation. Cremation has taken place and interment will be private at Riverside Cemetery. Members of her family include her husband, Lowell "Swede" Swanson, one son; Donald (Patricia) Swanson of Okemos and one daughter; Dr. Laurie Swanson of Zion, Illinois; three grandchildren; Kristin, Kelly and Kara. Please visit Sally's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory, or sign the guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.