Helyn Marie Swartz Obituary (1918 - 2015)

Helyn Marie Swartz, 96 of Rockton, Illinois died at 11:40 am, Monday, March 16, 2015 in her own home after a brief illness. Helyn was born to Walter and Kathleen (Einsweiler) Casper in Galena, Illinois on November 15, 1918. Helyn was a talented dancer who participated in Fourth of July celebrations to the delight of friends and neighbors. She graduated from Galena High School in 1936 and moved to Freeport where she worked for Micro Switch and Crum and Forster Insurance Company. She me Bruce Swartz 1939 and they married on Valentine’s Day in 1941, the same year Bruce enlisted in the US Navy. She traveled with him to Toledo, Ohio, then to Boston, Massachusetts, where their first child, Kathleen was born. They relocated to San Diego, California in 1944 as Bruce was being deployed to the Pacific. Bruce returned from the War in 1945. They settled in Galena and welcomed three more children to their family: Sharon, Bruce, Jr., and Brian. They remained in Galena until moving to Freeport in 1956. Helyn was a stay at home mother until 1965, when she returned to the workplace to ensure that her children received the necessary loving attention to grow and succeed in life. In 1984, Helyn and Bruce were victims of a head on collision on Hwy 75 west of Rockton, Illinois. Bruce died at the scene and Helyn sustained serious and permanent physical injuries. Through her remaining years she rebuilt her life in Freeport, participating in cultural events end excursions through the YWCA. She also participated in golf and bowling teams, a bridge group and a garden club. She enjoyed classes at Highland Community College, in physical fitness at the YWCA, and in dance at the Senior Center, where she met Clarence Lutz, of Lanark, who brightened her life until his passing in 1999. She greatly enjoyed the Red Hat Society and was a strong supporter of the Freeport Women’s Club and the Senior Center in Freeport, and a member of the Second Presbyterian Church. After her son Brian died in 2004, she relocated to Rockton to be with her daughter and son. In Rockton she again reached out to participate in her community, joining the Rockton Women’s Club and participating in her homeowner’s association social events. She was a member of the Old Stone Church and valued the care and support offered by the church community. During the last years of her life she has been lovingly attended by the most amazing family of caregivers: Sallie Stewart, Dawn Peterson and Amanda Aronicka. Their and her family’s constant support for Helyn has been a sacred and gracious gift. Helyn is survived by daughters, Kathleen (Smiley) Gummow of Rockton, Illinois and Sharon Keenan of San Diego, California; son, Bruce, Jr. of Rockton, Illinois and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Brian, and brother James Casper. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation Rites to be accorded. Final resting place will be in Galena Cemetery. McCorkle Funeral Home-Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.